1999 Lexus Gs 300 3.0l Leather Sunroof One Owner Low Miles on 2040-cars

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Toyota, Lexus to build more CUVs to meet surging demand

What was the biggest takeaway from the auto industry's 2014? Besides the fact that recalls are now a sad and mostly unremarkable part of a vehicle's life, it's that you can't be a competitive, mainstream brand in the US without a really strong line of crossovers, SUVs or pickups. We saw evidence of this as recently as Monday, when Hyundai unveiled its HCD-15 Santa Cruz Concept, and now we're seeing it again with Toyota. The company already has a comprehensive lineup of both mainstream and luxury CUVs and SUVs, although surging demand – sales were up 16 percent last year, Bloomberg reports – has led the company to increase its production tempo at the plants responsible for the RAV4 and Lexus RX. "The freeze is still in place until the end of March of 2016," Toyota's Jim Lentz told Bloomberg during this week's Detroit Auto Show, referencing the production bump at the Japanese and Canadian factories responsible for the models. "That hasn't changed. All indications are that it will lift, but right now it has not lifted." The increased sales are even spurring the brand to consider additional CUVs, including a compact that would slot in below the RAV4, Lentz told the business publication. Such a move would give Toyota a player in an increasingly competitive and important segment. In 2014 alone, mainstream brands, including Honda, Mazda, Chevrolet and Jeep, have announced brand new products destined for the compact CUV market. "We're going to have to look at how the market under RAV4 develops," Lentz told Bloomberg. "There's no question that it's going to. That's going to be the next growth spurt." 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.

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.