2010 Lexus Rx Awd Hybrid on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Lexus LC 500 Aviation adds some aeronautic flair for 70 lucky owners (in Japan)

In our experience, there's a notable overlap between enthusiasts of fine automobiles and aviation. Lexus seems to think so too, which is why it is releasing a plane-themed version of its flagship sport coupe. The Lexus LC Aviation will come in both LC 500 and LC 500h form, and features an aeronautic-inspired centerpiece on the rear decklid. That would be a curved carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) spoiler that follows the trailing edge arc of the trunk, with two downturned winglets on either end. Lexus says the winglets are functional, generating a vertical vortex that smooths out the turbulence generated from airflow along the car's flanks. The result is improved yaw and steering response, comfort, and stability at high speed. The wing itself is made by craftsmen from the LFA project, which famously created and used a 3D carbon-fiber loom to weave parts of the V10 supercar's body. Part of the development was conducted with Yoshihide Muroya, an acrobatic pilot and winner of the 2017 Red Bull Air Race Championships. The rest of the package includes beautifully slim, black, 21-inch split-spoke wheels that you won't find on the standard LC. The trademark "spindle" grille has been blacked out as have the side vent moldings, and head and taillight garnish. The cabin comes in an exclusive color Lexus calls Aviation Black, while other tidbits, like an Alcantara steering wheel, shift knob and door trim, as well as saddle-colored highlights, finish off the cabin. There are no powertrain upgrades.  The only three colors are available are silver, white, and black. Alas, only 70 units will be produced for the Japanese market. It goes on sale Jan. 6, 2021.

2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible First Drive | Is less roof better?

The azure waters of the French Riviera are set ablaze by the setting sun as a cool breeze wafts in from the Mediterranean. The warm breath from the neck-level heaters commendably compensate. The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible turns inland, the road winding through the rocky terrain like an ebony ribbon. A stunning blonde in a vintage Ferrari waves as she passes by; a man resembling Pierce Brosnan, but richer, gives a thumbs up. I'm sure someone is having this experience during their first drive of the new LC Convertible, but it sure isn't me. I'm in Scappoose, Oregon, which is as picturesque as it sounds. It's raining. Hard. An old woman in a Subaru pulls out of the Dutch Bros. So yeah, this won't exactly be a romantic tale of car and locale meeting on equal terms of grandeur. Resplendent in Flare Yellow paint, the LC Convertible couldn't be more conspicuous here if there were literal yellow flares bursting from its tailpipes. Yet, even on the Cote d'Azure, the LC would assuredly stand out. Being the color of an electric banana helps, but it’s a stunning car in any shade. From the A pillar forward, it's identical to the LC Coupe, but as expected, things change rearward. Currently available in two colors — black and "sand" — the four-layer soft top fits snugly over the cabin and creates a much different silhouette than the coupe. Although the LC's shoulder line rises to roughly the same point in both body styles, it meets a black trim piece on the coupe that creates the impression of a "floating" roof that extends deep onto the tail, resulting in a tiny trunk lid. By contrast, that shoulder line meets the convertible's roof directly, which pinches the rear quarter window, abruptly ends the roofline and creates a comparatively vast plain of a trunk lid. From the rear and with the roof up, the coupe is the more elegant car. Roof down, it's debatable. To these eyes, that rising shoulder line creates a bit of the hunchback look you get with the 911 Cabriolet. There are other design changes. The trunk lid kicks up further and extends wider, creating a more pronounced integrated spoiler. Within it is the relocated brake light. Covering the lowered roof is a rigid tonneau cover with humps that neatly align with the back seat's headrests. Between them is a small wind deflector that manages to be enough when the windows are raised to create an impressively serene cabin in the brief moments when the drizzle clears to motor al fresco.

Lexus teases new luxury concept for Tokyo

Lexus certainly doesn't want to reveal any secrets about the concept premiering at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show on October 28. The company's teaser simply shows a squinting LED headlight with a devilish, hooked tail running underneath. Plus, the dearth of descriptive text merely says that the vehicle is a "vision of progressive luxury." While there's not much useful info, some recent rumors might hint at what we're looking at. One possibility is the concept providing a peek at the next-gen LS because the rounded, current generation no longer matches the rest of the Japanese brand's sharper styling. Reports earlier this year even suggest a fuel-cell version under development as part of a hydrogen push in Japan. This range-topping model could potentially weigh even less than the current hybrid by adapting the powertrain from the Toyota Mirai. The less likely alternative is a concept pointing the way towards Lexus' second flagship. Reportedly a successor to the SC, the model isn't rumored to debut until the 2016 Detroit Auto Show. Still, the company could shuffle things around, and we look forward to seeing what's worth being so coy about in Tokyo in just a few days. Lexus' Vision of Progressive Luxury at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show October 21, 2015 See it all here, at 13:45 (JST) on October 28th. What do you want to see and know about most from the Lexus booth? Tell us by using hashtag #LexusInTokyo and you may receive an image or video reply from Lexus. News Source: Lexus Design/Style Tokyo Motor Show Lexus Concept Cars Tokyo 2015