Lexus Es 300 2002 "no Reserve" on 2040-cars

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Lexus UX Concept represents a bold crossover future

This is the Lexus UX Concept. You can call it the Ucks, because that's what we're doing. And oh yeah, it's really weird. The UX is a concept in its truest form, from the bizarre wheel/tire combo to the "inside-out" design concept, the latter which reminds of Wonko the Sane from So Long and Thanks for All the Fish. Designed by Lexus' studio in southern France, we aren't even really sure how to describe the design features of the UX. The sharp and angular exterior bleeds in and out of equally strange cabin seamlessly. But more than the body's creases and cuts, it's the general shape of the UX that's most interesting – this is a compact crossover, but it looks more like a jacked-up shooting brake than a typical two-box CUV. The rear doors seemingly bleed into the aggressively raked C-pillar, while the long hood give the UX a more sporting character than most cars in this segment. At the same time, Lexus went out of its way to deemphasize the UX's sporty traits – square, off-road-like wheel arches contrast the strong front fenders that bulge up and above the hood, for example. The fact that designers painted these arches silver to contrast with the lovely amethyst paint gives them an even greater visual weight. Lexus says the overall idea for the silver accents – the wheel arches, mirrors, and roof rails – "represent a form of continuous yet interrupted bone structure." Whatever you say, guys. But the wheels and tires represent the strangest visual detail. The 21-inch wheels actually extend into the tires. Lexus says it used laser carving to cut into the tire sidewalls, and then integrated the wheel spokes into rubber. The visual effect reminds us of those weird airless tires that pop up every few years. The interior, meanwhile, implements Lexus' Kinetic Seat Concept for the first time. Believe it or not, the futuristic seats are the most insignificant part of the cabin. See, UX, in tech circles, is short for user experience. With a name like that, we expect big changes to the driving experience, and that's what Lexus delivers – from the swooping, overlapping dash that creates a real sense of depth from the driver's seat to the three-dimensional effect of the cabin's three displays, the cabin is a fascinating place. Of all the "deconstructed" styling elements Lexus implemented on the UX, we like the design of the dash the most.

Sell your own: 2003 Lexus SC 430

This is part of an occasional look at what's for sale on Autoblog. Looking to sell your car? We make it easy and free. Quickly create listings with up to six photos and reach millions of buyers. Log in and create your free listings. At the Lexus SC 430 preview - in the spring of 2000 - the disappointment among automotive journalists was palpable. Lexus had taken the truly captivating design of the first-generation SC and essentially disregarded it, replacing the earlier architecture with one drawn by Toyota's team in Europe. The contrast wasn't as strong (or dysfunctional) as when the Jag E-Type morphed into the most unfortunate XJ-S in 1976, but it was close. Some seven years after production of the SC 430 ended, however, a coupe/convertible prospect has the benefit of both hindsight and nostalgia. Lines that once looked almost awkward when juxtaposed against the first SC are softened by time. And while the SC 430's retractable roof wasn't the first execution of a coupe/convertible hardtop, you can assume it works more predictably than its German counterparts. While purportedly seating four, this is a tight 2+2. But with V8 power and a 3,800 pound curb weight, the SC 430 is a substantive, comfortable way of propelling yourself down the road; think of it as a Miata for those wearing 'plus' sizes. This for-sale example, with 165,000 miles, is well-used, and its $9K asking price is at the top of the dealer range. But if you like its color and equipment, a well-maintained Lexus should - and could - give you another 100,000 miles of reliable service. Related Video:

Lexus fans vote Solar Flare for new RC F hue

What's in a name? When it comes to model nameplates, quite a lot, and automakers go to considerable lengths to find just the right one. Same goes for the names of the colors in the catalog (save for maybe the Rape Yellow in the extensive Bugatti palette), but every once in a while, an automaker will open it up for suggestions from the public.
SRT did that when it introduced a new shade of blue for its Viper, as did Chevy for the pale green on the Volt. And last month, Lexus followed a similar path when it asked fans on Facebook to come up with a name for the new shade of orange for the RC F.
Fans suggested names like Tangerine Flame, Outrageous Orange and Fiery Orange, but ultimately the winning submission that Lexus selected was Solar Flare. The name was suggested by five individuals and will now enter the catalog of colors for the new luxury muscle coupe with its 450-horsepower 5.0-liter V8.