Japanese tuner Modellista has released a new body kit for the updated 2021 Lexus LS sedan:
The kit is a front underspoiler, side skirts, and a rear diffuser, with two 21-inch forged alloy wheel options. Pricing has not yet been released, but Japanese owners should expect to pay a mint.
The updated 2021 Lexus IS sports sedan has been only available in the USA for a month, but it is already available with zero-percent financing at dealerships. Cars Direct breaks down the math:
This large difference in interest can lead to some big savings. Let’s take a look at the base IS which starts at $40,025 (including destination fees). With last month’s offer of 1.9% APR for 60 months, the monthly payment would equate to $700 with $1,963 in interest costs. With the new offer, there are no interest costs and the payment comes out to $667/month. That means interest-free financing leads to a much lower monthly payment and savings of $1,963 in interest over the life of the loan.
This is a notable move from Lexus, as discounting their newest offering from the onset means the brand is concerned about sales and are looking for a hot start.
(Lexus USA is currently running their December to Remember sales event, with 0% APR on the entire lineup. According to Cars Direct, current offers are based on a location in the western states and are available through November 30.)
The Lexus LC 500 Aviation special edition released in Japan has sold out. With a production run limited to 70 units, the coupe was only available for two weeks.
The Aviation LC was made special by its carbon fiber rear wing and a black/saddle tan Alcantara interior. The wing was developed in collaboration with championship aerobatic pilot Yoshihide Muroya.
The cost of the package was 1.5 million yen ($14,300 USD) over the standard LC, for a total 15 million yen ($143,570 USD).
The #14 Lexus RC F GT3 was in contention for the IMSA SportsCar Championship entering this weekend’s race at Sebring, but an oil slick ended their hopes — from the AIM Vasser Sullivan team press release:
Nearly three hours into the event, AVS drivers Townsend Bell and Kyle Kirkwood were running in first and second place, respectively, when they both encountered oil on the track leaked by a GTLM competitor going into Turn 17 sending both cars into the tire barrier.
The No. 14 RC F GT3 was too damaged to return to the 17 turn, 3.74-mile road course and their championship run ended with a 13th-place result with full-time drivers Jack Hawksworth and Aaron Telitz, along with Kirkwood.
Even so, the #14 RC F had a podium finish, securing third place in the GTD class. The #12 RC F team of Townsend Bell & and Frankie Montecalvo placed fifth.
Congratulations to both teams on a spectacular season!
European automotive outlets have driven the Lexus UX 300e, the first full-electric offering from our favorite Japanese luxury brand. Reviews are a mixed bag, let’s start off with a positive look from Top Gear:
A solid effort at a full pure electric vehicle from Lexus. It’s quiet, efficient enough, makes good use of the advantages of the drivetrain and is a relaxing car to drive. There’s not a huge amount of surprise and delight – it feels like ‘just’ an electric UX, and you wonder what Lexus might be able to do with a bespoke EV platform given the opportunity. Which it likely will have in the not-too-distant future.
Interestingly, Lexuses have always suited slick and quiet motivation, so the application of electric feels entirely in-keeping with the brand – it feels very natural to be piloting a Lexus BEV.
Autocar was less enthusiastic:
To handle the extra weight of the batteries, extra bracing has been added over the regular UX hybrid and the dampers reworked to maintain optimum weight distribution, but don’t go thinking the UX 300e is a ‘sporty’ proposition. The steering is accurate enough but lacks feel, the brakes are a bit mushy, and although it changes direction keenly enough, there’s plenty of body roll if you go thundering in to a tight corner. This soft set-up does at least deliver a respectable ride, especially around town.
Auto Express ran counter to Autocar, with a seemingly opposite experience:
On the road, that 201bhp output and the electric motor’s instant torque feel nicely suited to a car of the UX’s size – even one that now weighs 1,840kg. The delivery is punchy enough for the front wheels to scrabble a little under hard acceleration, but it’s easy to avoid this while still enjoying swift pace.
The steering has a pleasing weight to it and it’s direct; the UX’s body roll is kept nicely in check, too. Were it not for the usual shortage of communication from the front wheels, this would be a mildly entertaining car on a twisty road.
Car Magazine liked the UX 300e well enough, but was hung up on the price:
Lexus’ (soon-to-be) smallest car is a great place to start for offering an EV, and we’d even brave saying the UX makes better sense as one than a hybrid. It’s powerful enough, range is plentiful enough and you’re treated to a small and fashionable crossover with a supremely well put-together interior. But there are plenty of cheaper, longer reaching or more practical small EVs out there for similar dosh.
Lexus USA has officially announced the 2021 LS flagship, which has been updated with redesigned headlights, a touchscreen, and a “new philosophical change to its design known as the Lexus Driving Signature”.
The 2021 Lexus LS 500 will arrive at dealerships in late November, with a starting MSRP of $76,000. LS 500h models are expected in early 2021, with pricing to be announced closer to that time.
The full Lexus USA press release follows.
TRD Japan has released a body kit for the updated 2021 Lexus IS F SPORT — here’s a gallery showing off the full goods:
For the aero kit, there’s a front spoiler, side mirror covers, side skirts, fender covers, and a rear diffuser — this package runs ¥450,000 ($4,279 USD), with the ¥160,000 ($1,521 USD) sport muffler to complete the look.
Also available are 20-inch forged aluminum wheels at ¥560,000 ($5,325 USD) for the set, a performance damper for ¥50,000 ($475 USD) and a member brace for ;yen;85,000 ($808 USD).
The IS F SPORT TRD body kit can be purchased at all Lexus Japan dealerships, though it will likely be an expensive import item for people outside the country. Reasons for this remain unknown.
The Lexus RCF GT3 has its first trophy, with the AIM Vasser-Sullivan #14 team winning the IMSA Sprint Cup Championship this weekend at Laguna Seca. With three wins and four podium positions in sprint races this season, drivers Jack Hawksworth and Aaron Telitz secured the trophy, despite finishing 11th in the GTD class on Sunday.
Heading into the final IMSA race of the season, Lexus ranks second in the overall Manufacturer Championship, while the #14 RC F GT3 is currently in third place in the team standings. The #12 team of Townsend Bell and Frankie Montecalvo also ranks in the top-five in the point standings, sitting fifth in points heading into the season-finale at Sebring.
Lexus and AIM VASSER SULLIVAN compete in the season-finale Twelve Hours of Sebring on Saturday, November 14 at Florida’s Sebring International Raceway.