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2020 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition makes two cases for itself

The new 2020 Lexus GS 350 Black Line Special Edition brings a dark edge to the brand's mid-size luxury sedan. This offering follows in the tire tracks of the Black Line in the Lexus NX and IS ranges—the cosmetic package appeared first on the NX300, then the IS 300 F Sport, then the IS 350 F Sport over the past couple of years. The enhancements are available on the rear- and all-wheel-drive GS sedans, but will be offered only with two exterior colors, either Utlra White or Caviar, the latter being a rich dark brown. Visual changes outside include gloss black F Sport grille inserts, gloss black mirror caps, and a gloss-black decklid spoiler. The RWD version gets gloss black F Sport wheels with orange brake calipers, while the AWD model does without the flashy stoppers. Output of the 3.5-liter V6 doesn't change from 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.  Inside, the black leather interior sees contrasting textures in Alcantara on the instrument panel, console, and armrest, and carbon fiber trim on the doors, instrument panel, and center console. Rioja Red panels provide contrast as does red stitching on the doors, steering wheel, seats, and center console. The special edition GS gets accessories as well: a two-piece Lexus Black Line Zero Halliburton luggage set. Starting with Zero Halliburton's Edge Lightweight Collection, the 22-inch Continental Carry-on and 26-inch Medium Travel Case feature linings embroidered with Intersect by Lexus spindle grille art, interior compression panels with a Lexus embossed leather logo badge, and chrome badges laser-etched with "Zero Halliburton for Lexus" outside. Naturally, they come in black. There will only be 200 of the special edition GS sedans produced, available starting this summer. Prices won't come until closer to the on-sale date, but the same package on the IS added about $5,000 to the price, and Zero Halliburton charges $1,000 for the luggage. With the rear-wheel-drive GS 350 F Sport starting at $53,785, we think $60,000 is a likely price tag.    

Toyota recalling 1.67 million vehicles worldwide in 3 campaigns

Toyota is issuing three separate recalls covering 1.67 million vehicles worldwide with most of those models in Japan. It looks like the campaigns' impact on the US may be smaller, though. According to Reuters, Toyota isn't aware of any accidents, injuries or fatalities affecting the models. Some yet-unnamed Lexus models might also be affected.
The largest of the campaigns does not currently affect any US-market vehicles. About 802,000 units of the Toyota Crown Majesta, Crown, Noah and Voxy in Japan are being repaired to replace a seal that could leak in the brake master cylinder. Those already leaking get a new brake booster, as well, according to Reuters.
The only recall currently believed to affect the US is due to a problem covering approximately 759,000 vehicles with 423,000 of them here. The repair is to fix a faulty fuel delivery pipe that could cause a fire if the fuel leaks out. Unfortunately, we don't know which models it covers. Autoblog spoke to Toyota spokesperson Mona Richard and was told the information was still "under embargo." When exactly that embargo will lift isn't yet known, but we're on the case.

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.