2004 Lexus Ls430 Ultra Luxury Package on 2040-cars

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The revolutionary Bose suspension that could have been

The Bose name pops up on these pages every once in a while – usually, as you might expect, because some automaker or another has installed its audio systems in one or more of its models. But a few years back, the research-driven audiophiles at Bose developed a revolutionary adaptive suspension system that could have been a game-changer. Sadly, it wasn't. The Bose suspension system was a technological breakthrough. As you can see from the pair of Lexus LS sedans demonstrated (and the Porsche Cayman thrown in for good measure) in the two-minute video above from CNET, the system virtually eliminated body roll and smoothed out bumps in the road to near glass-like serenity. It could even jump over minor obstacles. Unfortunately, the system was too heavy and expensive to put into production, and the project was shelved. Instead, it was repackaged into a suspended driver's seat for heavy-duty, long-haul trucks and called the Bose Ride System. It's said to significantly reduce fatigue and back pain while encouraging driver alertness and wellness – which is all well and fine, but a far cry from what the suspension system could have meant for the automotive industry. Just think about that the next time you notice the Bose logo on the speaker grille in an upscale vehicle from the likes of Audi, FCA, GM, Mazda, or Nissan – all automakers that offer Bose audio systems, and which might have considered implementing the advanced suspension if only it were more practical for production. Latest Video: News Source: CNET via YouTube Lexus Technology Videos lexus ls cnet

Lexus RC F and SI swimsuit model Lisalla Montenegro compare flowing lines

Lexus has been desperate to break out of its decidedly boring image for years. There is no doubt that it has made quality cars, but many of them have lacked for excitement. But with the new RC in 2014, especially the M4-fighting RC F version, it might finally turn some heads.
If the car doesn't turn heads, Lexus can at least be sure that Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Lisalla Montenegro will, in its latest video. Of course, phrases like, "Hair by over 383 pound-feet of torque," and, "Goosebumps by an aggressively tuned exhaust note," don't really mean anything, but most of the people watching the video aren't going to be reading the copy, anyway. Instead, they will either be focused on the attractive woman or the cool car. Maybe both. Scroll down to check out the video.

Toyota Hilux gets heart transplant from Lexus IS F

The Toyota Hilux might not be sold in the US, but Toyota's venerable pickup has an international reputation of being able to go anywhere and do just about anything. The trucks aren't really known for their speed, though, at least until Toyota South Africa Motorsport's new, one-off project. This bruiser ditches the usual diesel engine and replaces it with an unrestricted 5.0-liter V8 from a Lexus IS F making 449 horsepower. Of course, it takes more than power to handle the rigors of high speed off-roading. The motorsport team also adds bigger, competition-spec brakes, fully adjustable dampers, new springs, and retuned gearing to make the truck look practically ready for the Dakar Rally. The gearbox is really the only part that carries over. The V8 gives the special Hilux quite a mean growl, too. With the new Tacoma just launching in the US, maybe the engineers at TRD need to apply this same concept over here for its own Lexus-engined, one-off pickup.