2001 Lexus LS Reviews

The wait for true phone mirroring is almost over, with Lexus to roll-out Apple CarPlay in its newest models before the end of the year.

Lexus Australia has released pricing and specifications for the new RC F Track Edition, as well as the updated RC F, which will be in Lexus dealers in May. Based on the standard RC facelift, which is already on sale in Australia, the RC F is priced from $134,129 plus on-road costs (-$3,600), while the RC F Track Edition is priced from $165,690.  The RC F has faced a number of revisions to make it more comfortable, yet sharper to drive according to Lexus.  Improved aerodynamics with greater downforce aids handling, while lighter suspension components, firmer steering control, a freer-breathing and lighter engine, as well as a more intuitive transmission and grippier tyres make the RC F even quicker than before. Like the pre-update RC F, the 2019 model uses the company’s 351kW/530Nm 5.0-litre petrol V8 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission.  The engine has been revised for 2019 with a lighter intake and new intake piping and meets Euro 6 emissions standards. As before, power is sent to the rear wheels. The car’s revised styling helps its aerodynamics, while new LED headlights and a wider grille “further emphasise the car’s wide stance”, according to Lexus. New for the 2019 model year is the track-honed RC F Track Edition, which includes a number of parts to provide superior agility and most importantly for the company, superior track driving handling and lower lap times.  The RC F Track Edition includes Brembo carbon-ceramic disc brakes (380mm front and rear) with 19-inch BBS alloy wheels to reduce weight by 25kg. A titanium exhaust further reduces the weight of the car by 6.0kg, while increasing the engine’s noise as well. A carbon-fibre roof, rear diffuser, lower rocker panel, front spoiler, rear wing and rear-seat brace help shed another 65kg of weight, with a kerb weight of 1,715kg.  Lexus claims the RC F Track Edition hits 100km/h in 4.3 seconds, and points out that it is the quickest Lexus since the LF-A. 2019 Lexus RC pricing (MSRP):  RC F: $134,129 RC F Track Edition: $165,690 Options (RC F): Enhancement Pack 1 (19-inch polished alloy wheels, sunroof): $5,000 Enhancement Pack 2 (19-inch dark alloy wheels, sunroof): $5,000 Enhancement Pack 3 (19-inch BBS alloy wheels, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, titanium exhaust, carbon fibre cabin ornamentation, sunroof): $29,161

I remember a Lexus RX commercial that used to run on television when I lived in Washington. The RX is perched on the glass bed of this industrial-sized photocopier and as the light line passes under it indicating copies being made out comes a Mercedes, Audi and BMW, I think.

There are many ways to meet the demands of buyers, but paying a lot of money for a compact car isn't necessarily the best way about it. That isn't stopping luxury car brands from producing new, smaller SUVs that still have plenty of plushness, not to mention price tags that can be double that of equivalent mainstream models. These three models are some of the most intriguing examples of the breed.

Toyota's Australian customers' wait for Apple CarPlay integration will soon be over, with the Japanese giant promising an announcement will be made "in the near future".

Yes, at a glance it seems Australia's new-car market is a sea of red ink and plummeting sales, with numbers seemingly down across the board.

Premium coupes are everywhere, but none of them are quite like the Lexus RC350, featuring a naturally-aspirated V6, beautifully-trimmed cabin and some funky chassis tech like all-wheel steer.

Lexus has always been a brand that has shunned the millennial market. But its all-new UX SUV could change all that. Not only will it launch into one of Australia's most popular segments, but it's been designed with the young and young-at-heart in mind. So can this compact crossover get down with the kidz?

The Lexus UX250h is the most expensive (and hybrid-powered) engine option in the UX family, and is available in three trim levels; Sport ($47,950) Sports Luxury ($56,500) and F Sport ($56,950). Those prices are two-wheel-drive cars, though. Opting for AWD increases pricing to $61,000 (F Sport) and $61,450 (Sports Luxury). It’s powered by the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine as the Lexus UX200, but paired with a hybrid motor that produces combined outputs of 131kW and 188Nm. It is paired with a CVT automatic transmission which sends its power to the front tyres, or to all four wheels if you opt for an AWD model The Luxury trim buys you 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and fog lights, faux-leather seats and trim, a nav-equipped 10.3-inch infotainment screen and an eight-speaker stereo as standard. There is STILL no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but Lexus promises it will arrive at some point this year.  The range then splits in two, with the Sports Luxury on one side and a equally pegged F-Sport on the other, but of what the brand calls its "Y" strategy. The Sports Luxury adds things like 19-inch alloys, acoustic glass and real leather trim on the seats, while The F Sport nabs you a more performance-focused flavour, with adaptive suspension, five drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport+, Custom) and a sportier exterior design, albeit with smaller, 18-inch alloys. 

Lexus has revealed the LC Convertible Concept, an open-air take on the flagship sports car, ahead of its international debut at the Detroit motor show this week.