2000 Lexus Gs300 Base Sedan 4-door 3.0l on 2040-cars

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2017 Lexus Model Year Preview and Updates

As the market for luxury and near-luxury vehicles continues to expand, Lexus intends to grow its already-dominant share; new entries and updates to existing models reflect that. Biggest news for this calendar year – if not the 2017 model year – is unquestionably the introduction of the 2018 LC 500 - pictured above - and LC 500h, high-performance 2+2 coupes powered by either a blazing 5.0-liter normally aspirated V8 (LC 500) or full-hybrid system (LC 500h). Complementing their spring intro is the arrival of a redesigned LS 500 sedan, also making its debut as a 2018 later in this calendar year. LEXUS CT 200h: Lexus' hybrid hatch, nearly invisible from a marketing standpoint, receives new colors in 2017: Atomic Silver Caviar, Autumn Shiver and Blue Vortex Metallic. ES: The various ES trims, including the hybrid, incorporate the Lexus Safety System+ as standard equipment. Display Audio adds the Scout GPS link and all trims receive rain-sensing wipers. GS: Lexus' 5 Series weapon, sold in four variants – 200t, GS 350, GS 350 AWD and GS 450h – incorporates the Lexus Safety System+ as standard, offers a limited-slip differential option for the GS 350 RWD and supplies navigation on the 200t free of charge. IS: The compact Lexus four door receives an in-your-face refresh. A new front fascia, headlamps and wheel designs constitute the significant updates. Inside, the infotainment screen is enlarged, and the Lexus Safety System+ is made standard. LC: Lexus' 2+2 halo is all-new, and comes in two variants: LC 500 is V8-powered, while the LC 500h is equipped with a V6 and fully hybrid integration. The coupe is in Lexus showrooms by May, 2017. LS: The 2017 LS drove into the model year with minimal changes. The big news is the introduction of an all-new 2018 LS in the fourth quarter of this year. RC: Lexus' four-place coupe receives new wheel finishes on both 18-and-19-inch wheels, as well as available triple-beam LED headlamps. In the RC 350 performance dampers are made standard, and in all models the Display Audio receives a Scout GPS link. GX: Little substantive news for the Lexus GX SUV, but heated/ventilated front seats are available as a standalone option, and second-row captain's chairs are standard on the Luxury trim and available on Premium. Finally, the GX receives an optional Sport Design Package, a set of cosmetic upgrades targeting those with a taste for urban adventure.

Weekly Recap: Automakers rethink the definition of luxury

Variety is the spice of life, but it's becoming a prerequisite for luxury carmakers in the ultra-competitive US market. The Detroit Auto Show was strong evidence of this reality. It's not enough to offer attractive and well-appointed cars and SUVs anymore. Luxury brands that want to be competitive need to invest in everything from high-powered supercars to clever hybrids. To be relevant, you need to be green and mean – and everything in between. As General Motors product chief Mark Reuss said after the reveal of the 640-horsepower Cadillac CTS-V: "We are not leaving anything on the table." He was speaking for Cadillac, but he might as well have been speaking for the luxury car market. The CTS-V debuted in Detroit about an hour after Lexus surprised showgoers with the reveal of the RC F GT3 race car and then announced ambitious plans to return to competitive racing. That almost overshadowed the fact Lexus had just revealed another potent addition to its growing F line, the 467-hp GS F. View 20 Photos But for luxury brands, it's not just about maximum horsepower for well-heeled enthusiasts or decadent amenities for the Grey Poupon set. Strong competition from all corners has forced automakers to refine and expand their lineups in ways unforeseen even a few years ago. Case in point: Mercedes-Benz finally has an answer to the BMW X6, rolling out the GLE coupe in Detroit. The X6, which blends coupe-like styling cues with some of the functionality of an SUV, debuted in 2008. Back then it was a punchline, but seven years and more than 260,000 sales later, the X6's success has compelled Benz to respond. Mercedes – one of the strongest proponents of diesel technology – also debuted the C350 plug-in hybrid sedan, which promises a range of 20 miles on electricity, though fuel economy figures were not announced. The car pairs Mercedes' well-received 208-hp turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor for total output of 275 hp and 443 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, Infiniti will add the Q30 hatchback to its lineup by the end of the year, new president Roland Kruger reiterated in Detroit. It's expected to be joined by a crossover variant, and the additions will help strengthen Infiniti in the United States and abroad. "While we're expanding our product line, we're also expanding our market reach," he said. That's something echoed by Jaguar executives, who are preparing to launch the brand's first crossover, the F-Pace, in 2016.

Updated 2016 Lexus LX 570 bows in Monterey

Lexus just pulled the wraps off its 2016 LX 570, and though the updates are minor, they're long overdue. A new one-piece spindle grille – framed by a satin chrome trim – defines the front end aesthetically, and adds a more aggressive look, bringing the eight-passenger SUV up to speed with Lexus's current design language. New LED headlights, turn signals, and foglights further distinguish the front end. The LX 570 adds new wheels, the standard 20-inch split 10-spoke wheels, with an available 21-inch option. While the new LX keeps the brawny 5.7-liter V8 – rated at 383 horsepower, with 403 pound-feet of torque available at 3,600 rpm – it adds a new transmission. For 2016 the LX 570 drops the six-speed in favor of a new eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination means the LX is capable of towing 7,000 pounds, and we expect the 4WD system – the LX flaunts its Toyota Land Cruiser roots – to be as formidable as on the current model. Drivers will appreciate the new Drive Mode Select, which adjusts throttle and suspension calibration with the turn of a dial. The system works in conjunction with the adaptive variable suspension, which adjusts damping, and makes for a smoother ride in the cabin. Drivers can choose from four modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport +. The LX gets more standard safety features for 2016, including the Lexus Safety System+, a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross traffic alert, and a tire-specific TPS that gives pressure readings for each tire. Additionally, the multimedia system gets a boost with a new 12.3-inch screen with a remote-touch interface. The Panoramic View Monitor, and "Climate Concierge" are now standard features, while a heads-up display is now an available option. Scroll down for the full details in the press release. Making a Classic Entrance: Lexus Debuts Refreshed 2016 LX 570 Luxury Utility Vehicle at Pebble Beach Concours d' Elegance ???? - Redesigned Exterior Highlighted By One-Piece Spindle Grille ? New Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission - More Standard Safety Features: Lexus Safety System +, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Tire Specific Tire Pressure Monitoring System - Upgraded Multimedia With Larger 12.3-inch Screen and Remote Touch Interface - Added Standard Features Including Panoramic View Monitor and Climate Concierge - Available Lexus Enform Service Connect - Available Heads-up Display MONTEREY, Calif. – Aug.