1997 Lexus Sc 300 1 Owner Luxury Sport Car on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2016 Lexus GS F First Drive [w/video]

Performance cars used to be about horsepower and chassis tuning. Lately the question isn't so much what's under the hood, but how many buttons are on the console. We're overwhelmed with individual settings for engine response, transmission, exhaust, steering, and ride. When did these cars turn into a choose your own tuning adventure? The Lexus GS F represents an attempt to step back from this over-adjustable madness and return to more bygone sports car values. It has a special engine, unique bodywork, and a chassis tuned for high performance. There are only two settings you need to play with. The first setting is the Drive Mode Select dial on the center console, which mainly controls the response of 5.0-liter V8 engine and the shift behavior of the eight-speed automatic. The engine is the same V8 found in the RC F, making the same 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque. New this year are small balancing weights on the crankshaft pulley that cut down on internal vibration. Drive Mode Select also changes the electronic power steering, air conditioning, and stability control (you can also turn it all the way off via a separate button). The engine is the same V8 found in the RC F, making the same 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque. You will use two settings in the GS F: Eco when you want to get somewhere, Sport S+ when you want to get somewhere fast. Normal and Sport S modes offer intermediate steps you don't really need. Eco mode softens the throttle and reduces the use of air conditioning for slightly better fuel economy. It also makes the center-mounted tachometer switch into an eco-driving gauge. S+ puts everything into sport mode, including a heavier steering weight and a higher stability control threshold. While Sport S mode shifts the noon position of the tachometer to just below the horsepower peak of 7,000 rpm, S+ goes a step further and turns the rev indicator into a solid bar that grows around the edge of the display. It also adds oil and coolant temperature to the readout. And how could we fail to mention G-Force Artificial Intelligence (or grin at such an overwrought name)? That's the shift logic the transmission uses in Sport S+. It's designed to hold revs in corners and downshift during hard braking. "Our goal with F is to make a driver's car, not a drag race winner." The other button in the Lexus GS F that you need to pay attention to is next to the Drive Mode Select knob, labeled TVD for Torque Vectoring Differential.

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.

Lexus RC F police cruiser set to patrol Australia's highways

Planning a trip down to Australia? Better keep an eye on the speedometer. Because with this latest set of wheels, the local cops should have little trouble chasing you down. It's a Lexus RC F coupe that's been specially outfitted to join the police motor pool in the southern region of New South Wales. Details on how it's set up for official duty are scarce, but as you can see, it features special graphics as well as flashing lights on the dashboard and rear shelf. There's probably special communications equipment installed as well, but we doubt the Aussie bobbies will be trying to squeeze any perps into the back seat. The Japanese performance coupe is slated for use in a number of applications, one of them being to promote road safety. We're not sure how a 467-horsepower V8 luxury coupe gets that message across, exactly. But even though it's not quite as impressive as what they've added to the fleet in Dubai, the RC F ought to garner some attention at events like the Bathurst Six Hour race and the MS Sydney to the Gong bike ride where it'll be on display. And just in case it's put on highway patrol, we'd suggest locals and visitors exorcise their speed demons on the Stuart Highway up north and keep their right feet light on the streets in NSW. Related Video: