2008 Lexus Rx 400 Hybrid Navigation 40k Miles on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Lexus hints at LF-SA concept bound for Geneva

Lexus has been moving steadily away from its once conservative designs with increasingly aggressive ones, and looks set to move the bar once again with this latest concept. Bearing the codename LF-SA, the new Lexus concept is set to debut in a couple of weeks at the Geneva Motor Show. But the Japanese luxury automaker isn't giving us much to go on from the decidedly enigmatic teaser image and brief statement below. According to Lexus, "the LF-SA Concept explores unexpected territories for the brand," which could come down to a new compact model to either replace or slot in below the CT 200h in the brand's lineup. The upright form would seem to be consistent with a city car. Beyond that, we can see an even larger evolution of Lexus' trademark spindle grille and checkmark accent lights. Whatever it is, though, Toyota's luxury division promises it will remain "a driver-focused vehicle." We'll just have to sit tight and wait to find out more, so watch this space. 17 Feb 2015 WORLD PREMIERE OF THE LEXUS LF-SA CONCEPT AT THE 2015 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW Lexus will reveal its all-new concept, the LF-SA at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. Brussels, Belgium - An illustration of Lexus' passion for upcoming design trends, the LF-SA Concept explores unexpected territories for the brand in a bold and emotional execution. In a future world which many people see as increasingly influenced by technology and virtual experiences, the LF-SA Concept is also a driver-focused vehicle, reflecting Lexus' vision that real experience will remain ultimate luxury. The LF-SA Concept will be revealed at the Lexus Press Conference taking place on March 3, 2015 at 12:30 PM at the Lexus stand (number 4211) in Palexpo, Hall 4.

2016 Lexus ES shows updated, US-spec face

Lexus debuted the refreshed style for the ES at the Shanghai Motor Show with a much more prominent take on the company's spindle grille. If you hoped the conspicuous schnoz might be toned down for the US version of the luxury sedan, we have some bad news. The US-spec 2016 Lexus ES looks exactly the same. The spindle grille stands as one of the most polarizing styling features on new vehicles today. Rather than soften things, Lexus' designers make the shape even more pronounced for the refreshed ES. The latest take removes the crossbar from the center and outlines the whole thing in chrome. More angular, standard LED headlights make the edges appear even sharper, as do the triangular foglight surrounds at the lower corners. At the back, the taillights feature a more conspicuous L-shape and chrome-tipped, rectangular exhaust tips finish things off on the ES 350. The company also adds some evocatively named colors, including Autumn Shimmer, Nightfall Mica, Caviar, and Eminent White Pearl. Beyond the updated looks, the other major change for the ES is the availability of the Lexus Safety System+ suite of tech. It includes a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam, and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. If all that isn't enough to make you feel more secure behind the wheel, a blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert is an additional option. The improvements to the interior aren't quite as drastic as the outside. There's a redesigned steering wheel, shift knob with a leather boot, and more soft-touch materials around the console. New trim colors include Linear Dark Mocha, Illustrious Piano Black, and matte-finish Bamboo. Both ES 350 and ES 300h models are unchanged in terms of powertrains. For a starting price of $38,940, after the $940 destination charge, buyers can get the ES 350 with a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed automatic. For $41,860, customers can order an ES 300h with a hybrid, 2.5-liter four-cylinder making a total output of 200 hp. Luxury, Emboldened: Lexus ES 350 Revs Up Style and Luxury for 2016 Refreshed Look with Bolder Rendition of Lexus Spindle Grille Standard LED Headlights and Other Premium Design Features New Lexus Safety System+ Suite of Driver Assist Technologies Upgraded Interior Finishes Mark Levinson Audio and Panoramic Roof Available with All Packages July 10, 2015 Maintaining luxury leadership requires a relentless pursuit.

Toyota fills in details about its future design direction and global platform

"In the future, out of 100 customers, we want to excite ten of them instead of not offending all 100."
Almost all of the details about the Toyota New Group Architecture (TNGA) strategy have come out since the initiative was first reported on in March of this year, but Autoblog did learn a few new things about it on a recent trip to Japan. Probably the second-most important detail is that each new segment platform will be based around a common hip point to create an "optimal driving position architecture."