2011 Lexus Es350 Base Sedan 4-door 3.5l on 2040-cars

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Next Lexus RX previewed with JDM Toyota Harrier?

Japanese site CarWatch has revealed images of the next-generation Toyota Harrier, known to US and European buyers as the Lexus RX. The new model features a considerably more aggressive fascia in keeping with some of the latest Lexus design trends, while the back features a pair of wide, wraparound taillights.
The profile features a revised greenhouse, with a rather complex rear window treatment, while a subtle character line connects the front and rear taillights. According to the badging, the model shown features a hybrid powertrain, although there's little information on which engine is being used. We'd wager it's an evolution of the same 3.5-liter V6 hybrid found in the current RX450h.
This early look doesn't have a great deal of other info, and there are no images of the interior. We're not yet clear on how closely the North American RX will adhere to the Harrier seen here, but historically the two models have been quite close. That said, we'd expect a more prominent 'spindle' grille on the Lexus version than the baleen strainer on the vehicle shown here.

2022 Lexus GX gets big infotainment update, Black Line Special Edition

The 2022 Lexus GX mostly soldiers on with the same old platform and powertrain as before. But it is finally getting a pretty major infotainment update to help modernize it. Not only that, but it's getting a Black Line edition like other Lexus models with the lovely Nori Green Pearl paint available. That infotainment upgrade is the addition of a 10.3-inch touchscreen. It should be much brighter, higher resolution and more pleasant to use than the quite-old existing unit. It's also accompanied by a revised center stack with more minimalist buttons and switches. The actual infotainment operating system also appears to be from other Lexus models, rather than the one shared with Toyotas. The evidence for this is in the inclusion of the unloved track pad, but you're unlikely to use it much with the prominent touchscreen. Besides the physical infotainment improvements, it also comes with a few feature upgrades. The new system comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, something that was sorely missing in the previous model year. Navigation is also now standard as are parking sensors and power folding and heated mirrors. Then there's the Black Line Special Edition pictured at the top. Like other Black Line Lexus models, it's mostly a color and trim package, but a fairly attractive one. It comes with gloss black 18-inch wheels, grille surround and roof rails. The door handles are body color, and the bumpers are slightly tweaked design-wise. The taillights are red, rather than clear, and the trim gets an exclusive available color in the aforementioned Nori Green paint. Inside, the GX Black Line has a black headliner, black and grey upholstery, and matte black Ash wood trim. Pricing and availability hasn't been announced yet, but we expect it to go on sale later this year. Related video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Lexus gets new boss, and he's a designer

A reshuffle in the uppermost ranks of Lexus could see the Japanese luxury brand further energize its recent focus on design. Tokuo Fukuichi, Toyota's global design boss, is the new head of Lexus International.
Fukuichi will retain his role as the overall head of design for Toyota, Lexus and Scion, and will assume his new position at the head of Lexus and on its board on April 1 (no fooling). This is going to be an interesting move for fans of design to watch, as Fukuichi has repeatedly been mentioned as a designer that enjoys pushing the edge of the envelope and experimenting. He is, after all, the man responsible for designing the most awesomely odd minivan of the 1990s, the mid-engined, rear-drive Toyota Previa, and more recently, he signed off on the controversial Lexus LF-NX concept, which is said to presage a new production small crossover.
"Regarding changes in design, no one has 100 percent confidence," Fukuichi told Forbes back in January 2013. "No one can really say with pure certainty that, 'In two years, this will sell well.'" As Akio Toyoda continues to demand more assertive, edgier designs, it's that point of view that should make Fukuichi a valuable addition to Lexus, as it continues to challenge the competition from Germany.