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Lexus ES nips-and-tucks previewed ahead of 2021 Shanghai show

Lexus will travel to the biennial Shanghai auto show to present a futuristic concept called LF-Z that previews how its range will evolve by the middle of the 2020s. It's not forgetting about the near-term future, though. It will also introduce an updated version of the current-generation ES, its midrange sedan, at the event. Previewed by a 15-second video posted on YouTube, the nipped-and-tucked ES gains redesigned headlights with square lighting elements and bolder-looking LED daytime running lights. That's all Lexus is showing us so far. It's not much, but it's enough to tell the exterior visual changes are largely evolutionary, not revolutionary. Lexus previously proved that, when it comes to luxury sedans, what motorists can't see is at least as important as what they can see. It made the LS, its flagship sedan, smoother by redesigning the motor mounts, changing the stiffness of the tires, and adding deeper stitch points to the seats. The ES could learn some of these tricks. Engine options will likely remain largely unchanged, meaning the ES will carry on with a 215-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6 rated at 302 horses. Alternatively, the lineup will also include a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain built around a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a pair of electric motors. The V6 and the hybrid variants are front-wheel-drive, while the non-electrified four is exclusively offered with all-wheel-drive.  Lexus will fully unveil the updated ES on April 18, a day before the Shanghai show opens its doors, and sales in China will start shortly after. In the United States, the refreshed ES will arrive in showrooms as a 2022 model. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Walkaround

More 2022 Lexus NX teaser photos show the SUV moving upscale

Lexus has released two additional teasers for its soon-to-debut NX, this time on Twitter. Emphasizing its Japanese roots — the first image was shot in front of Mt. Fuji — one image shows the silhouette of the NX against an Edo-era-style temple. Despite the dark profile, however, we do get a few more clues as to what the luxury crossover will look like. The second-generation NX largely keeps the same shape as the outgoing model, but the A-pillar looks a bit more sharply raked. The hood also appears to have a raised center area towards the nose, indicating a more prominent grille. A third image shows the car in (or Photoshopped in) a more tropical setting. It depicts a jutting jawline that is only available if you order the NX's F Sport package. However, those would typically be accompanied by a small F Sport logo on the fender, which this car lacks. So perhaps all models will now have more upscale-looking front fascia (or F Sport models won't have that fender badge). One major improvement are the wheels. The teasers show elegant, thin-spoked rollers befitting of a Lexus, rather than some of the cheap-looking alloys from the current generation that would look just as at home on a Toyota or Subaru. Typically, wheels of this ilk would only be available on a higher-spec RX and pricier Lexus vehicles. Though these likely come with a higher trim level, it's at least nice to know a classier option will be available. Overall it's still not much to go on. But combined with the redesigned rear shown in a previous teaser and the expected technological improvements inside, it should move the NX line into more deluxe territory. Lexus will debut the next-generation NX online on June 11. The streaming event will take place on the Lexus website starting at 11 a.m. Eastern time, 8 a.m. Pacific.  

Toyota to pay $17.35M federal fine for delayed Lexus RX recall

This summer, we brought you news that Lexus was recalling over 150,000 RX and RX hybrid crossovers tied to its massive pedal entrapment issue. An update to that story included word from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it was considering launching a federal investigation into potential delays by the automaker in notifying owners about the problem. Now comes news that parent company Toyota will pay a hefty $17.35 million in fines for delaying its recall of the 2010 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h. According to The Detroit News, the Japanese automaker is being forced to pay the maximum fine for delaying recalls - and this isn't the first time. In fact, this is the fourth time since 2010 that Toyota has been required to do so, including paying $48.8M in civil penalties in 2010 for failing to recall vehicles in a timely manner - in three separate campaigns.
In addition to the fines, Toyota has agreed to restructure the way it handles quality control and review "safety-related issues." Though the Japanese automaker has not admitted any wrongdoing, Toyota has agreed to meet with NHTSA for six months on the matter and may extend the meetings another six months.
US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says he is counting on Toyota to improve its ability to address such safety issues: "With today's announcement, I expect Toyota to rigorously reinforce its commitment to adhering to the United States safety regulations," he said in a statement.