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Toyota, Lexus to build more CUVs to meet surging demand

What was the biggest takeaway from the auto industry's 2014? Besides the fact that recalls are now a sad and mostly unremarkable part of a vehicle's life, it's that you can't be a competitive, mainstream brand in the US without a really strong line of crossovers, SUVs or pickups. We saw evidence of this as recently as Monday, when Hyundai unveiled its HCD-15 Santa Cruz Concept, and now we're seeing it again with Toyota. The company already has a comprehensive lineup of both mainstream and luxury CUVs and SUVs, although surging demand – sales were up 16 percent last year, Bloomberg reports – has led the company to increase its production tempo at the plants responsible for the RAV4 and Lexus RX. "The freeze is still in place until the end of March of 2016," Toyota's Jim Lentz told Bloomberg during this week's Detroit Auto Show, referencing the production bump at the Japanese and Canadian factories responsible for the models. "That hasn't changed. All indications are that it will lift, but right now it has not lifted." The increased sales are even spurring the brand to consider additional CUVs, including a compact that would slot in below the RAV4, Lentz told the business publication. Such a move would give Toyota a player in an increasingly competitive and important segment. In 2014 alone, mainstream brands, including Honda, Mazda, Chevrolet and Jeep, have announced brand new products destined for the compact CUV market. "We're going to have to look at how the market under RAV4 develops," Lentz told Bloomberg. "There's no question that it's going to. That's going to be the next growth spurt." Related Video:

2022 Lexus GX gets big infotainment update, Black Line Special Edition

The 2022 Lexus GX mostly soldiers on with the same old platform and powertrain as before. But it is finally getting a pretty major infotainment update to help modernize it. Not only that, but it's getting a Black Line edition like other Lexus models with the lovely Nori Green Pearl paint available. That infotainment upgrade is the addition of a 10.3-inch touchscreen. It should be much brighter, higher resolution and more pleasant to use than the quite-old existing unit. It's also accompanied by a revised center stack with more minimalist buttons and switches. The actual infotainment operating system also appears to be from other Lexus models, rather than the one shared with Toyotas. The evidence for this is in the inclusion of the unloved track pad, but you're unlikely to use it much with the prominent touchscreen. Besides the physical infotainment improvements, it also comes with a few feature upgrades. The new system comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, something that was sorely missing in the previous model year. Navigation is also now standard as are parking sensors and power folding and heated mirrors. Then there's the Black Line Special Edition pictured at the top. Like other Black Line Lexus models, it's mostly a color and trim package, but a fairly attractive one. It comes with gloss black 18-inch wheels, grille surround and roof rails. The door handles are body color, and the bumpers are slightly tweaked design-wise. The taillights are red, rather than clear, and the trim gets an exclusive available color in the aforementioned Nori Green paint. Inside, the GX Black Line has a black headliner, black and grey upholstery, and matte black Ash wood trim. Pricing and availability hasn't been announced yet, but we expect it to go on sale later this year. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

2018 Lexus LS has a livelier look and new twin-turbo V6

When considering that the Lexus LC 500 made it to production virtually unchanged from concept form, it was reasonable to think that the LS would similarly follow suit. Especially when the LS shares the LC's GA-L platform. Unfortunately, it didn't pan out that way. It is possible to spot cues inspired by the LF-FC concept, such as the lower contour of the windows, the crease in the metal leading up to the rear wheel, and of course the lights and spindle grille. But they're overshadowed by the fact that this LS has a significant amount more girth. View 14 Photos Just because it doesn't live up to the concept doesn't mean it's a bad looking car. It's far more interesting to look at than the dated, upright LS currently on dealer lots. It also sits quite low and the wheels and tires fill the wells nicely, which gives it a road-hugging stance. There are some nifty design details, too, such as the glass that is completely flush with the pillars. View 28 Photos As already mentioned, the new body is wrapped around a stretched version of the LC's platform, and it also uses its 10-speed automatic. Surprisingly, though, the LS doesn't use the LC's powertrain. Under the hood is a completely new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that pumps out 415 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. That puts it down on power, but ahead in torque compared with the LC's V8. It's also significantly more than the previous LS' V8, and Lexus predicts it will be capable of a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds with rear-wheel drive. A Lexus PR representative also said the LS is only being released with the V6. We doubt it would be hard to drop one in later though if Lexus saw demand. Inside, the LS is more interesting than the outside would suggest. The dash is clearly inspired by the LC 500, utilizing a similar gauge pod with traction control and drive mode selectors protruding from each side. The dash is also dominated by a wide, dark section that houses the 12.3-inch infotainment display. Just below that, is an attractive strip of slats that follow the contours of the dash and house the air vents. Back seat passengers also will have a pleasant environment thanks to the fact that the LS will only be available in a long wheelbase form, so leg room will never be in short supply. They also will have access to available reclining seats, ottoman, and Shiatsu massage functionality. According to a spokesman, the Japanese-style of massage function is a first for the LS.