2005 Lexus Ls430 4.3l V8 32v Automatic Rear Wheel Drive Sedan Premium on 2040-cars

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Bring back the Bronco! Trademarks we hope are actually (someday) future car names

Trademark filings are the tea leaves of the auto industry. Read them carefully – and interpret them correctly – and you might be previewing an automaker's future product plans. Yes, they're routinely filed to maintain the rights to an iconic name. And sometimes they're only for toys and clothing. But not always. Sometimes, the truth is right in front of us. The trademark is required because a company actually wants to use the name on a new car. With that in mind, here's a list of intriguing trademark filings we want to see go from paperwork to production reality. Trademark: Bronco Company: Ford Previous Use: The Bronco was a long-running SUV that lived from 1966-1996. It's one of America's original SUVs and was responsible for the increased popularity of the segment. Still, it's best known as O.J. Simpson's would-be getaway car. We think: The Bronco was an icon. Everyone seems to want a Wrangler-fighter – Ford used to have a good one. Enough time has passed that the O.J. police chase isn't the immediate image conjured by the Bronco anymore. Even if we're doing a wish list in no particular order, the Bronco still finds its way to the top. For now (unfortunately), it's just federal paperwork. Rumors on this one can get especially heated. The official word from a Ford spokesman is: "Companies renew trademark filings to maintain ownership and control of the mark, even if it is not currently used. Ford values the iconic Bronco name and history." Trademarks: Aviator, AV8R Company: Ford Previous Use: The Aviator was one of the shortest-run Lincolns ever, lasting for the 2003-2005 model years. It never found the sales success of the Ford Explorer, with which it shared a platform. We Think: The Aviator name no longer fits with Lincoln's naming nomenclature. Too bad, it's better than any other name Lincoln currently uses, save for its former big brother, the Navigator. Perhaps we're barking up the wrong tree, though. Ford has made several customized, aviation themed-Mustangs in the past, including one called the Mustang AV8R in 2008, which had cues from the US Air Force's F-22 Raptor fighter jet. It sold for $500,000 at auction, and the glass roof – which is reminiscent of a fighter jet cockpit – helped Ford popularize the feature. Trademark: EcoBeast Company: Ford Previous Use: None by major carmakers.

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.

2020 Lexus LC 500 Inspiration Series is a green goddess

This year's Lexus LC 500 Inspiration Series walked in fields of gold with Flare Yellow paint outside, a splash of matching Alcantara inside, and white, semi-aniline leather seats. The 2020 version of the LC 500 Inspiration Series takes to emerald seas with exclusive Nori Green Pearl paint — nori being the edible seaweed that tries to make an honest living wrapping sushi or onigiri. This time the two-tone interior doesn't take its cue from the outside, opting for tan and amber contrasts. Lexus says the aesthetic game of dress-up "aims to evoke a more refined, mature coupe," even though we're certain two of the LC 500's most profound attributes are refinement and maturity. Semi-aniline 10-way adjustable seats are stitched up in Saddle Tan leather exclusive to this model, paired with slightly darker Alcantara trim on the door panels. The instrument panel, center console, steering wheel, and the rest of the doors are fitted with Black Amber leather. Brown cross-stitching not only cues the color of the seats, its visibility should earn appreciation for "highlighting the fanatical precision of each stitch." As with the 2019 model, the special 2020 LC 500 will be limited to 100 units in the U.S. A custom, laser-cut sill plate that evokes the geometric shapes found in the taillights will inform everyone crossing the threshold of the coupe's rarity. The package sits on two-tone, 21-inch wheels. The powertrain hasn't been touched, motivation provided by the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 with 471 horsepower shifting through a 10-speed automatic. Lexus says it will release price information closer to the on-sale date later this year. A standard LC 500 costs $92,950 before destination; the 2019 LC 500 Inspiration Series asked $106,210 before destination, so don't expect much change from $110,000 if you're interested.