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Lexus UX Concept represents a bold crossover future

This is the Lexus UX Concept. You can call it the Ucks, because that's what we're doing. And oh yeah, it's really weird. The UX is a concept in its truest form, from the bizarre wheel/tire combo to the "inside-out" design concept, the latter which reminds of Wonko the Sane from So Long and Thanks for All the Fish. Designed by Lexus' studio in southern France, we aren't even really sure how to describe the design features of the UX. The sharp and angular exterior bleeds in and out of equally strange cabin seamlessly. But more than the body's creases and cuts, it's the general shape of the UX that's most interesting – this is a compact crossover, but it looks more like a jacked-up shooting brake than a typical two-box CUV. The rear doors seemingly bleed into the aggressively raked C-pillar, while the long hood give the UX a more sporting character than most cars in this segment. At the same time, Lexus went out of its way to deemphasize the UX's sporty traits – square, off-road-like wheel arches contrast the strong front fenders that bulge up and above the hood, for example. The fact that designers painted these arches silver to contrast with the lovely amethyst paint gives them an even greater visual weight. Lexus says the overall idea for the silver accents – the wheel arches, mirrors, and roof rails – "represent a form of continuous yet interrupted bone structure." Whatever you say, guys. But the wheels and tires represent the strangest visual detail. The 21-inch wheels actually extend into the tires. Lexus says it used laser carving to cut into the tire sidewalls, and then integrated the wheel spokes into rubber. The visual effect reminds us of those weird airless tires that pop up every few years. The interior, meanwhile, implements Lexus' Kinetic Seat Concept for the first time. Believe it or not, the futuristic seats are the most insignificant part of the cabin. See, UX, in tech circles, is short for user experience. With a name like that, we expect big changes to the driving experience, and that's what Lexus delivers – from the swooping, overlapping dash that creates a real sense of depth from the driver's seat to the three-dimensional effect of the cabin's three displays, the cabin is a fascinating place. Of all the "deconstructed" styling elements Lexus implemented on the UX, we like the design of the dash the most.

Best and worst car brands of 2022 according to Consumer Reports

It's that time again, Consumer Reports this morning lifting the curtain on its 2022 Annual Car Brand rankings and its 10 Top Picks in the car, crossover, and truck category. Drumroll, please: This year, Subaru climbs two spots to claim the winner's circle, having come third the last two years. Last year, Mazda climbed three spots from 2020 to take the crown. This year, Mazda slipped to second, BMW taking the last spot on the podium, also a one-spot drop from 2021. Six automakers in the top 10 hailed from Japan, which is one more than last year, and five luxury makers occupied the top 10, which is two more than last year. And South Korean representation didn't crack the top this year, after Hyundai managed tenth last year. The seven makes after BMW are: Honda, Lexus, Audi, Porsche, Mini, Toyota, and Infiniti.  The magazine and testing concern says its Brand Report Card "[reveals] which automakers are producing the most well-performing, safe, and reliable vehicles based on CR’s independent testing and member surveys," and that "Brands that rise to the top tend to have the most consistent performance across their model lineups." The domestics also took steps back among the 32 OEMs ranked on the 2022 card. Chrysler and Buick were the domestic carmakers who made last year's top 10 in eighth and ninth, respectively. This year, Buick dropped to eleventh, Chrysler to thirteenth. Dodge went from fourteenth to sixteenth. CR continues to ding Tesla's yoke steerer, the not-exactly-natural handhold responsible for the electric carmaker going from sixteenth last year to twenty-third this year.

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.