This new Lexus Australia commercial for the UX crossover may just cross the line from creative to creepy:

Lexus Australia and the Queensland government have partnered on a two-year trial of advanced safety technologies that utilize traffic infrastructure — from Go Auto:

In addition to the standard safety equipment of autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist, the two hybrid crossover models – 450h F Sports – will be equipped with extra tools that enable wireless interaction with each other and infrastructure such as traffic lights via dedicated short-range communications (DSRC).

Headlining the boosted technology is an advanced red-light warning system that “alerts drivers that they (are) likely to violate the red light unless they apply the brakes” and road works warning that can dynamically alert drivers to changing speed limits.

The modified RX crossovers will also be able to warn drivers about road hazards or the existence of a crash ahead, and even be able to indicate that a pedestrian or cyclist has activated a road cross-walk.

TRD Japan has announced a body kit for the all-new Lexus UX F SPORT subcompact crossover, just as the model is released at Japanese dealers:

Here are both the standard and blacked-out editions in an assortment of paint colors:

The kit is a front spoiler, side skirts, aero fenders, mirror covers, roof spoiler, and a full rear diffuser/sports muffler set. Along with the body kit, there’s a performance damper, underbody member brace, and 18-inch forged aluminum wheels:

As for price, the body kit including the sports muffler is ¥626,000 ($5,500 USD). Add on the ¥382,000 ($3,360 USD) 19-inch wheels, ¥100,000 ($880 USD) member brace, and ¥100,000 ($880 USD) performance damper, and we’re talking a big money upgrade for your new Lexus crossover.

The TRD kit for the UX F SPORT is currently offered in Japan, with no word on availability in other regions.

A good marriage is about compromise, and my marriage is better than most. When my wife, Karissa, suggested that we switch vehicles for a change, there was no counter-argument — all things considered, how could I stand in the way of a woman’s quest for luxury and higher fuel costs?

Anyway, this should explain my decision to veer off-brand with a review of my current daily driver, the 2008 Toyota Prius.

As anyone that knows me personally will attest, I have an enduring vocal love for our Prius. This is an iconic vehicle, changing the industry with a cost-effective hybrid drivetrain and optimal aerodynamic fastback design. The revolution is now in the rear-mirror, but there was a time when the second-generation Prius was unlike anything on the road.

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Japanese website Spyder7 is reporting that Lexus will release a production version of the LF-1 Limitless crossover in 2020, just three years after the concept debuted at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show.

Powering the new flagship crossover will be the twin-turbo V6 engine from the LS 500, though Spyder7 suggests a minor power boost up to 424 horsepower. The V6 hybrid engine from the LS/LC 500h will also be used.

Added to the rumor is a production F-brand version of the LF-1, using the much-rumored twin-turbo V8 that we’ve been hearing since before the introduction of the LC coupe. In this incarnation, the LF-1 F would be putting out 661 horsepower and cost $150,000 USD, an amazing power-to-cost ratio when compared to the Lamborghini Urus with its 641 hp and $200,000 price tag.

(Bumping up the horsepower in this hypothetical engine is a smart idea — Lexus has fallen behind competitors in recent times, and could use the boost from a powertrain that outpaces the market average.)