2011 Lexus Is 250 Base on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Lexus promises to unveil two updated models at Pebble Beach

Lexus has announced it will stage the global debuts of two updated models at Pebble Beach later this week. But it isn't saying which models they will be. However we can take an educated guess or two. Two of the oldest nameplates in the Lexus lineup at present are its flagship models: namely, the LS sedan and the LX sport-ute. The original LS was first introduced back in 1989, with the current fourth-generation model rolled out in 2006. (That's the Pebble Beach edition of the 2009 LS 600h pictured above.) It's undergone incremental updates in the decade since, with the last one having arrived in 2012. With much newer examples of the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series having recently been launched, Toyota will likely want to keep its flagship sedan up to date and competitive with newer rivals. Meanwhile the LX first launched in 1995 as a rebadged and luxed-up version of the Toyota Land Cruiser. The current third-generation model arrived in 2007, and was updated in 2012 alongside the aforementioned LS sedan. Sales of the LX have been floundering, spurring Lexus to potentially launch an entirely different flagship crossover to take its place. But before that happens, it is expected to launch another facelift for the existing model. Photos of that updated version have already leaked out and begun circulating, so we wouldn't be surprised to see the new LX 570 debut in Monterey as well. Both are expected to adopt more aggressive styling in line with other, newer models in the lineup, along with the latest technologies Toyota has to offer. Whatever form they take, we won't have to wait long to find out what Lexus has in store for us. The unveiling of both its freshly updated new models is set to take place on Thursday, so watch this space. Related Video: MEDIA ADVISORY - LEXUS TO UNVEIL TWO UPDATED MODELS AT PEBBLE BEACH August 10, 2015 -- Lexus plans to stage the global premiere of two updated models in Pebble Beach during the days leading up to the 2015 Concours d' Elegance. The reveal will take place at 7 p.m. PDT, Thursday, Aug. 13, and all materials will be available on www.LexusNewsroom.com simultaneously.

2020 Lexus LX 570 Sport Package is sporty like tube socks

The Lexus LX is enormous, square, old, and expensive. It is also very luxurious, and now it has a sporty version, with Lexus announcing the Sport Package for the 2020 LX 570. But you can only get it on the three-row trim, the least jazzy of the bunch. The styling makeover adopts a sport grille, which means an ornate mesh instead of slats in the spindle opening, and a new lower portion that appends parallelogram intakes at the corners. Not only do the vents appear to be non-functional, they look like aftermarket afterthoughts. The sides get body-colored mirrors with chrome accents, while in there's a tweaked lower rear valance. Inside, leather-trimmed seats come in either Black, Cabernet, or exclusive Moonlight White, under a black headliner. If our numbers are correct, Lexus has bumped 2020 LX prices up by $150 across the admittedly small board. The base, two-row model will start at $86,380. Assuming the destination charge holds steady at $1,295, that makes for a total of $87,675. The three-row will need $92,675. Lexus Safety System+ comes standard, with assistance features such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Intelligent High-Beam headlamps, and adaptive cruise control.  When the range goes on sale in September, the LX 570 with the Sport Package will cost $100,595. That seems like a weighty chunk for minor ornaments; however, the Sport Package automatically adds the Luxury Package, which adds features like heated and ventilated seats, four-zone climate control, LX projector door lamps, and a la carte options like the 19-speaker Mark Levinson audio and the 21-inch wheels. Optioning a 2019 model with to the same spec comes to $97,935, so the Sport Package comes to $2,310 after subtracting the $150 price increase. That also seems like a lot, considering the Luxury Package already provides the option of Cabernet seats. But the LX is a special kind of beast. Any truck that can run with a multi-terrain system mode called Mogul instead of Snow doesn't have to live by the same rules as other terrestrial rigs. That's what you can do when you're a dinosaur that "packs in a lot of charm."

Toyota might stop importing certain models if tariffs imposed

In case you hadn't heard, the entire automotive industry, both domestic and foreign, is very much against the automotive tariffs proposed by the Trump administration. And while the industry is lobbying hard against such tariffs, companies are also having to consider what to do in the event they are passed. CEO of Toyota's North American operations, Jim Lentz, told Bloomberg that the company will certainly be reconsidering its strategy in the event of tariffs between 10 and 25 percent the cost of the car. He told the news outlet that, depending on how high the tariffs are, Toyota might just increase the price of some models, or stop importing them altogether. Toyota does build a large number of its cars here in the United States. The Toyota Camry, Avalon, Tundra, Highlander, Sequoia, Sienna models are all built here, as well as some Tacomas, Corolla sedans, and Lexus ES sedans. Many of those vehicles are big sellers for Toyota, too, so that's good for the company. But many other Toyotas are built outside the country. The Toyota RAV4, Prius range, C-HR, Corolla hatchback, Land Cruiser, 86, Yaris, Yaris sedan, Mirai, 4Runner, and the entire Lexus line are built in other countries. Some of these imports we're sure are safe no matter how high the tariffs might be. The RAV4 is the company's biggest seller, and the Prius sells well, too. Even if the Prius wasn't selling so well, the company would probably still sell it simply because it's an image builder. Somewhat related, we imagine Toyota would continue offering a handful of Mirais. The 4Runner, C-HR and Corolla hatchback would probably be safe, too. If these models stick around after potential tariffs are imposed, expect their prices to increase. But in the Toyota line, anything that's not selling well and has tight margins is probably doomed. Chief among them are the French-built Yaris hatchback and the Mexican-built Yaris iA sedan. Both cars have terrible sales, and being low-end cheap cars, they'll only sell worse with higher prices, and Toyota will lose money if it has to eat the tariff. The 86 is a similar situation in which it's a niche vehicle that has had weak sales and is being sold at a relatively low price. The Land Cruiser could go either way. It sells in small numbers, but it's already extremely expensive and continues to sell. Buyers might not be put off by spending some more.