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Lexus LC Coupe and Convertible add a bevy of official TRD parts

TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development, but that doesn’t stop the performance division from developing parts for Lexus products, too. One of those Lexus products it just released a set of performance parts for is the LC 500. The two-door coupe is our favorite Lexus for sale right now because of its excellent driving dynamics and stunning looks, so adding more performance is a good thing, right? WeÂ’ll stop short of saying itÂ’s a great thing for appearances in this particular instance. The parts shown here tend to muss up and clutter the LC's otherwise gorgeous design. That large rear wing, aero cowling above the rear seats and aero mirror cover all notch the aggressiveness up a level, but it makes the styling look a bit messier in photos. TRD does claim real performance gains from the parts, though. The modified side skirts reduce the amount of wind flowing to the rear tires, which makes the car slipperier through the air — TRD also claims a benefit in fuel economy and reduced wind noise. There are three new wheel designs, all offering a reduction in weight over the stock wheels and an improvement in rigidity. The wheels pictured on the car are the Lunanium Gun Metallic option. TRD says the giant aero cowl reduces wind noise in the cabin for the LC Convertible, and the big rear wing improves vehicle stability. Other available parts include a front spoiler (adds downforce, lowers front clearance by 30 mm), rear diffuser (adds moderate downforce, says TRD), smaller rear spoiler (improves stability at speed), and a “performance damper.” Details are short on this damper, but we can assume itÂ’s slightly stiffer than stock and could offer a noticeable handling improvement. ThereÂ’s a 3-D mini configurator you can play around with on TRDÂ’s site, too. You can only choose between the exterior color, interior color and aero cowl cover, but itÂ’s worth it to see what the mods might look like on your particular LC. Interestingly, the aero cowl sitting above the rear seats can be had in either black or white. Availability of the parts in the U.S. is still unclear, but weÂ’re reaching out to TRD and will update with any news we might hear.  Related video:

Lexus says it's not worried about LS sales decline in face of S-Class, Model S

The Lexus LS is old. Sure, it received a refresh for model year 2013, but it hasn't had a clean-sheet redesign since George W. Bush was in office. It's the oldest vehicle in its segment, debuting in 2007, a full year before the current-gen BMW 7 Series, two years before the Hyundai Equus and Jaguar XJ and three years before the Audi A8.
This is particularly troubling as buyers flock to the heavily redesigned Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which debuted late last year, and the all-electric Tesla Model S. Despite this move, though, Lexus is (worryingly in our minds) not at all concerned.
"We don't feel it's a problem with the car," Brian Smith, VP of marketing for Lexus, told Wards Auto. "Many of the buyers in that segment want what's new and they're trying it."

2023 Lexus UX goes hybrid-only, gets new UXh name

Lexus is making a series of updates to the UX, its entry-level crossover, for the 2023 model year. Now only offered with a hybrid powertrain, the soft-roader receives a better infotainment system, updated steering and suspension systems and more capable safety features. Shifting to a hybrid-only line-up brings a new name: UXh. That's not the only change you'll spot if you open (or download) a brochure. Buyers can select a pair of option packages called F Sport Design and F Sport Handling, respectively. The former focuses largely on appearance and equipment. It adds F Sport wheels, a specific grille, painted wheel arch flares, dark roof rails, a black roof panel, a moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, fog lights, cornering lights and self-leveling headlights. Inside, the list of F Sport-specific parts includes the front sport seats, steering wheel, gear selector, instrument cluster and pedals. The latter goes a step further with performance-tuned dampers, an Active Variable Suspension system and a brace to the steering gear. We're told that these changes noticeably improve the UXh's handling. Even if you choose not to tick either box, the 2023 UXh should drive better and quieter than the 2022 UX. Lexus notes that it recalibrated the steering and suspension systems and, interestingly, added 20 spot welds to the body in order to improve structural rigidity. Inside, the most significant changes for 2023 are infotainment-related. The UXh gets the Lexus Interface infotainment system already found in some of the other models in the range, like the NX. It's displayed on an eight-inch touchscreen (a 12.3-inch unit is optional) with anti-glare technology, and it brings with it a redesigned center console with a bigger wireless device charger and a pair of USB charging ports. For 2023, every UXh regardless of trim level comes standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 suite of driving aids. This bundle includes a pre-collision system, emergency steering assist, lane-tracing assist and adaptive cruise control. Lexus notes that the pre-collision system's response range has been expanded with better hardware and that artificial intelligence helped it improve the lane-tracing assist function. Lexus dealers across the nation will begin receiving the 2023 UXh in late summer 2022. Pricing information hasn't been announced yet. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Lexus UX Luggage Test