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Lexus ROV concept is a hydrogen-powered luxury side-by-side

Side-by-sides come in all shapes and sizes, but we've never seen one like the Lexus ROV concept. For one, it's a Lexus; the firm is not a big player in the side-by-side segment. It's as luxurious as the badge on its nose suggests, and it's powered by a hydrogen-burning engine. Lexus explained that the ROV (an acronym that stands for Recreational Off-highway Vehicle) is its "response to the growing passion for the outdoors and adventurous spirit of luxury consumers." It also illustrates the brand's wish to design lifestyle-oriented products, and it showcases the engineering department's research into new technologies. The ROV stretches 322 inches long, 68 inches wide and 71 inches wide. And, while it doesn't wear a giant spindle grille, it falls in line with the Lexus design language thanks to angular body panels. Inside, the ROV offers a pair of seats with harnesses and suspension elements to filter out bumps, carbon fiber accents and a relatively simple instrument cluster with an analog tachometer and a digital display. Lexus notes that the "Tazuna" approach to interior design that has shaped most of its recent concept cars permeated the ROV, meaning the cabin is human-centric. Interestingly, it also points out that the ROV meets the same quietness, durability, and reliability standards as the regular-production cars it sells, which is no small feat. Power comes from a direct-injected 1.0-liter engine that burns compressed hydrogen stored in a tank. Lexus didn't publish technical details so we don't know how much horsepower or torque the engine makes. Its cylinder count wasn't even published, though zooming in on the exhaust manifold confirms that it's a three-cylinder. It's likely not a coincidence that parent company Toyota tested a hydrogen-powered Corolla race car powered by a 1.0-liter hydrogen-burning triple earlier in 2021. That engine was turbocharged, however; this one is not. Looking at the center console reveals the ROV is equipped with a two-speed transfer case and locking differentials, so it should be capable off the beaten path. Lexus also tells us its first side-by-side offers users a large amount of suspension travel. Is this purely theoretical, or is Lexus serious about taking on Polaris? We've asked, and we'll update this story if we learn more. Related Video:      

2014 Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS 250 fail to achieve Consumer Reports 'Recommended' rating

Infiniti and Lexus might be a little concerned now that both of their new luxury sedans, the Q50 and IS250, were unable to net Consumer Reports vaunted "Recommended" rating during their first year on the market. In fact, not only did the two fail to earn a "Recommended" rating, they finished behind the vast majority of the competition after testing, including the BMW 328i, Mercedes-Benz C250, Lincoln MKZ and Volvo S60 T5.
The Q50 managed to snag a "Very Good" rating overall, but CR criticized it's road manners for not being as thrilling as the car it (sort of) replaces, the G37. The mag called the handling mundane and the steering dull, while also remarking on the poor controls. According to CR, the interior quality is "nothing special." Shade was also thrown at the Q50's reportedly poor ride.
Compared to the IS, though, the Q50 got off easy. CR called it "neither sporty nor luxurious," while criticizing the 2.5-liter V6's lack of oomph and poor fuel economy. The mag then went on to lambaste the IS's handling, steering, interior, cabin space and infotainment system.

2016 Lexus GS gets 2.0L turbo engine, updated styling

The Lexus GS gets a number of enhancements for the 2016 model year, and the updated sedan makes its official debut in California during Monterey Car Week. The usual mid-cycle refresh styling nip/tuck is evident, but the bigger story is the addition of a new, rear-wheel-drive GS 200t model. Lexus' IS sedan isn't the only one getting turbo-four power for 2016. The GS 200t uses that same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, good for 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It's paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, and Lexus says the GS 200t should be able to achieve 33 miles per gallon on the highway. Not to be left out, the naturally aspirated GS 350 gets a small power bump for 2016. The 3.5-liter V6 now produces 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, up from 306 and 277, respectively. The GS 450h hybrid carries over with its powertrain unchanged, as well as its 29/34 mpg city/highway rating. Other changes for 2016 include standard bi-LED headlamps as part of the reworked front fascia, and a host of technology upgrades. The 12.3-inch central display screen now has full-width map capability, and the controller gets some extra "enter" buttons. Lexus also gave its Enform system some updates, with a Service Connect system. The ever-important Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features are missing from this update, though it's not exactly surprising. Have a look at the updated GS 200t in the gallery above, and scroll down for the full press blast. Related Video: Mingling with the Classics: Lexus Introduces 2016 GS During Pebble Beach Concours Celebrations New GS 200t RWD Model With 2.0-Liter Turbo Engine - More Power and Torque for GS 350 - Restyled Front End With Standard Bi-LED Headlamps - New Available Lexus Safety System + - Upgraded Multimedia Technology and for GS 350/GS 450h Standard Navigation - New Available Lexus Enform Service Connect - New Interior Colors and Wood Trim Selections MONTEREY, Calif. – Aug. 13, 2015 – The Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance, the premier concours event in the United States, is an appropriate setting for the 2016 Lexus GS models to be introduced. The GS enters 2016 with a bolder design, a new GS 200t rear-wheel drive model and new luxury finishes that match the refinement of Monterey. The Lexus GS continues to feature impressive agility and sporty handling for turns along California Highway 1, as well as comfortable ride quality for extended highway driving.