2001 Lexus Es 300 63,000 Miles! Leather Sunroof Mint Mint on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Lexus lets enthusiasts build their own LFA to celebrate model's 10th birthday

Lexus launched production of the LFA, a limited-edition supercar still venerated in 2020, in December 2010. While fans would undoubtedly love to see a second-generation model to mark the occasion, the Japanese firm is celebrating 10 years of LFA production by releasing a paper model that enthusiasts can print and build at home. 500 units of the life-sized LFA were made by hand in Japan between 2010 and 2012. The paper model will be hand-made, too, but builders need to arm themselves with scissors and glue instead of wrenches, and production isn't limited. Anyone can print out the templates (which are included in our gallery) and put the car together. Lexus released four templates: one is blue, one is orange, one is white and one wears the colors of the Gazoo Racing team. Building each car is fairly straight-forward, and basic instructions are shown in our gallery. Lexus estimates assembly takes about an hour and a half, and it suggests folding the paper against a ruler to create a perfectly straight edge. It also notes builders should print out each template on A3 paper to make a bigger car. Full building instructions are published on the Lexus United Kingdom media site. Folks who make their own LFA at home are encouraged to share their creation by tagging the brand on its social media channels. We'll award bonus points to anyone that manages to make a paper version of the naturally-aspirated 4.8-liter V10 engine. As for a second-generation model, our advice is not to hold your breath. Lexus is focusing on other projects, like developing electric powertrains, and it doesn't sound like a follow-up to the LFA is high on the company's list of priorities. It hasn't been ruled out, however. "I love it, but we need your help. We need strong requests for a new LFA from the media. This can help us proceed," vice president Koji Sato told British magazine Autocar in 2019. Related Video:

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.

Are you the Lexus GS F?

It's been a while since we've heard rumors of the fabled high-performance Lexus GS F, but thanks to our eager spy photographers, this looks to be our first real proof of the machine's existence. We don't have the usual brace of photos from all angles to work with this time around, our spies saying that every time Lexus' garage door opened, engineers jumped in front of the cameras to prevent the car from being photographed.
Even so, we have a pretty clear glimpse at some significant changes to this GS sedan, including the same staggered, quad-pipe exhaust found on the Lexus IS F. There's also an air diffuser panel nestled between the exhaust outlets, as well as a larger lip spoiler and unique wheels (matching those of the RC coupe) wrapped in high-performance tires.
Last time we heard rumors of the GS F's existence, sources predicted that the M5-fighting sedan would use a tuned version of Lexus' 5.0-liter V8, producing something like 465 horsepower. We have also heard that the automaker plans to reduce weight wherever possible, and that the final curb weight will be something like 3,700 pounds.