Auto For Speed

The new sporty and bold face of the refreshed model of Lexus LX 570 SUV is at hand. Modifications start from Lexus’ signature spindle grille, new 20-inch alloy wheel design, exterior styling and at the new onboard technologies included. This all-new Lexus LX 570 SUV will be launched at the second quarter of 2012.

In particular, there is new LED daytime running lights, which complement a new headlamp design and new larger fog lamp bezels. Both front and rear bumpers are refreshed, and the rear bumper protector is improved by a stainless steel accent. In addition tail lamps and the tow hitch cover also have received some make over. The spacious, eight-passenger cabin of the LX 570 also receives a number of upgrades and changes. Moreover the driver’s seat gets a new Easy Access system: the steering wheel and driver’s seat automatically retract when the ignition is turned off. But this is not the end: front seats include improved ventilation, and a 220-volt power outlet, which has been added to the cargo area. Furthermore there is an updated instrument panel which now has new color multi-information display. The instrument panel looks additionally refreshed due to the metallic finish for the centre instrument cluster and front side air vents, along with a new metallic accent above the glove box. The cabin of the new-look LX 570 also includes a mahogany woodgrain-look trim, while ivory and black leather-accented interior trim are also available on the revised model. How abut the exterior: of course there have been new colors added: the new Mercury Gray and Sleek Ecru are now replacing the Rhodium and Metallic Beige.

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Bad news for Australian drivers interested in GM’s Chevrolet Volt as the local version of the car that will be marketed under the Holden brand and which is expected to arrive later this year will reportedly cost well over AU$60,000 (equal to US$62,000).

While Holden has yet to publicly announce prices, the Sydney Morning Herald reports that GM’s subsidiary told its dealers that the Volt will carry a retail price of AU$59,990 before on-road and dealer costs, which the newspaper says rises to as much as AU$66,000 (US$68,200) with the aforementioned fees.

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Some news from the NAIAS – Designers at the Lexus studio in Calty, California can take a much deserved vacation now as the much anticipated Lexus LF-LC Hybrid Sport Coupe Concept is proving itself a big success with an ‘EyesOn Design Award’ for a best concept. Innovative approach has been kept in mind when designing the 2+2 Hybrid which incorporates a certain emotive charge combined with cold blooded technology.

Elements of the new Lexus way, seen in the new GS 450h, can be encountered in the concept, particularly the “spindle“-like grille form and the rear architecture.

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Carlsson has just released details and pictures of a new customization program for the Mercedes Benz CLS63 AMG, our favorite four-door coupe in the looks department. Called the “red and white dream,” this is clearly hitting the aftermarket nail on the head, since a lot of people love red pleated leatherwork in a white car.

There are also some performance enhancements, as Carlsson has added their exhaust system with metal catalysts that combined with some engine remap games resulted in an output of 652hp. The body kit that visually expresses this power is also impressive, integrating carbon fiber front and rear spoilers, integrated rear diffuser and lip spoilers.

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At the 2012 Tokyo Auto Salon, the Japanese equivalent of SEMA, Nissan wanted to further show the potential might of its Nismo in-house tuning division and what they can do to a bog-standard car.

This Micra Nismo Concept previews the sort of parts firm will be offering when their big factory kicks into action next year. It’s actually the third such vehicle shown, after the Juke Nismo Concept and Leaf Nismo Concept.

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