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2020 Lexus LC 500 Inspiration Series is a green goddess

This year's Lexus LC 500 Inspiration Series walked in fields of gold with Flare Yellow paint outside, a splash of matching Alcantara inside, and white, semi-aniline leather seats. The 2020 version of the LC 500 Inspiration Series takes to emerald seas with exclusive Nori Green Pearl paint — nori being the edible seaweed that tries to make an honest living wrapping sushi or onigiri. This time the two-tone interior doesn't take its cue from the outside, opting for tan and amber contrasts. Lexus says the aesthetic game of dress-up "aims to evoke a more refined, mature coupe," even though we're certain two of the LC 500's most profound attributes are refinement and maturity. Semi-aniline 10-way adjustable seats are stitched up in Saddle Tan leather exclusive to this model, paired with slightly darker Alcantara trim on the door panels. The instrument panel, center console, steering wheel, and the rest of the doors are fitted with Black Amber leather. Brown cross-stitching not only cues the color of the seats, its visibility should earn appreciation for "highlighting the fanatical precision of each stitch." As with the 2019 model, the special 2020 LC 500 will be limited to 100 units in the U.S. A custom, laser-cut sill plate that evokes the geometric shapes found in the taillights will inform everyone crossing the threshold of the coupe's rarity. The package sits on two-tone, 21-inch wheels. The powertrain hasn't been touched, motivation provided by the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 with 471 horsepower shifting through a 10-speed automatic. Lexus says it will release price information closer to the on-sale date later this year. A standard LC 500 costs $92,950 before destination; the 2019 LC 500 Inspiration Series asked $106,210 before destination, so don't expect much change from $110,000 if you're interested.

Mazda and Lexus crowned with KBB 5-Year Cost To Own awards

We report on a lot of awards, some of which are given out based on more solid criteria than others. This one, the Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own awards, seems like one that new car shoppers should pay attention to.
The cost of a car goes far beyond what you pay for the actual metal, leather and rubber at the point of purchase. Fuel, insurance, maintenance and repair costs, and the cost of fees from the state and financing will all weigh on your wallet while you own the car. That's not even taking into account the biggest cost: depreciation, or the amount of money you lose based on what your car is worth years from now versus the day you bought it.
KBB tracks these sorts of things, and they've compiled a list of winners for 2013 models. On the brand level, Mazda and Lexus earn the 5-Year Cost to Own award for having the lowest overall projected five-year totals (though, curiously, we note that Mazda and Lexus each had only one segment winner). There are lots of winners for all the various segments, so we'll just pick out a few surprising ones to share and you can view the rest here.

Lexus confirms three-row RX coming by 2018

Now seems like the perfect time for Lexus to launch a three-row version of its RX crossover. Not only are CUVs flying off of dealer lots – as you probably already know, the RX is Lexus' best-selling model – there aren't all that many car-based luxury soft-roaders on the market for Lexus to compete with. Problem is, these things take time, and product planners don't always get the new-model cadence just right. Now, though, we at least have a tentative date for the extended-wheelbase 'ute's arrival. According to Automotive News, Lexus General Manager Jeff Bracken has confirmed that the brand is readying a three-row version of the RX with plans to have it in the clutches of salivating dealers by late 2017 or early 2018. Chances are, the new model will wear RX 350L badges in gas-powered guise and carry the RX 450hL moniker in hybrid form. As AN points out, these names were registered as trademarks earlier this month. That indicates we'll see both standard V6 and optional hybrid-powered versions of the three-row RX. Not only will the extended RX keep the same nomenclature, it'll also look pretty much the same as its five-seat siblings. According to Bracken, "We put so much energy into the styling you see now that we didn't want to compromise even with the third row." All we have to do now is wait, said Bracken. "They would just love to have it now. But I think they're quite relieved that they know it's coming." Related Video: