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This one-off Lexus RC F takes a page out of an NBA playbook

We talk about one automaker taking a page out of another's playbook – following a lead to keep up with the competition. But this one-of-a-kind Lexus actually does take a page out of a playbook. Specifically that of the Los Angeles Clippers. The unique Lexus RC F coupe features a livery inspired by the team colors and emblazoned in tone-on-tone Xs and squiggles that look like strategic doodles from the coach's notebook. The stock horn has been replaced by a shot buzzer, the dashboard clock with a game timer, basketball-patterned speaker grilles, and Clippers logos throughout. The navigation system is voiced by the team's coach Doc Rivers, and there's a makeshift locker room in the trunk packed with memorabilia. As far as special editions go, this one's actually pretty convincing. Of course it doesn't hurt to pack a 5.0-liter V8 engine good for 467 horsepower under the hood. The vehicle was created to raise funds for the Clippers Foundation, a charity associated with the basketball team that works with children in the Los Angeles area. For $100, fans can buy raffle tickets for the chance to take it home. Toyota has long been a sponsor of the team, briefly suspending its involvement in the wake of then-owner Donald Sterling's racist remarks a couple of years ago. Related Video:

2016 Lexus GS F revealed ahead of Detroit debut

The last time we heard about Lexus' new Detroit Auto Show-bound performance car debut, all signs pointed to GS F. Now, the cat's out of the bag, and we've got the first official images and details of the Japanese automaker's latest performance sedan, and honestly, it's exactly what you'd expect – though that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Power comes from the automaker's 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 – the same eight-pot that powers the RC F – good for 467 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 389 pound-feet of torque that comes on strong between 4,800 and 5,600 rpm. That force is sent to the rear wheels via Lexus' eight-speed automatic transmission. In order to make this F a significantly better-handling vehicle than the standard GS, Lexus is fitting its Torque Vectoring Differential from the RC F, which uses three modes – Standard, Slalom, and Track – to alter torque delivery to better suit different driving dynamics. Lexus has released a few preliminary specifications about the GS F, so we know the sedan tips the scales at 4,034 pounds and will ride on 19-inch wheels with 255/35-series tires up front, and 275/35 rubber out back. This all sounds pretty good, but we can't help feel a wee bit disappointed, especially considering the numbers being thrown down by competitors like the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, not to mention the new 640-hp, 200-mph Cadillac CTS-V that'll also debut at next week's Detroit show. Still, if the Lexus RC F is any indication of the brand's future performance offerings, we don't doubt the GS F will, at the very least, be a super fun car to toss around. Stay tuned for the GS F's official unveiling, next week.

2013 Lexus ES300h

The Lexus ES lineup, the brand's bread-and-butter sedan, has been completely redone for 2013. With that tip-to-tail rework comes the model's first hybrid. We think the ES350 is better in every way than its predecessor, so a spin in the ES300h is warranted to see what it's like to live with the model sure to become the best-selling Lexus hybrid sedan. In particular, we wanted to see how the gas-electric luxury cruiser handled the battery-sapping realities of winter, so we ventured out into the slush and snow to file this report.
Driving Notes:
Peel away the slush, and this car sure is sharp-looking. It strongly resembles the excellent new GS, no bad thing. With the move to the longer Toyota Avalon underpinnings, the ES300h is long and elegant. Lexus has really upped its styling game lately.