Tomica Toyota Crown Deluxe model

Another Tomica Toyota Crown model arrived (earlier post), this time a Crown Deluxe - gen. 1 (LV-148b)!

More Lexus UX renderings

Following the info Mag-X already published last month (earlier post) about the new baby Lexus  SUV, this time it's Best Car magazine that came up with new renderings. Those renderings are very different and I have to admit that I like this version better. The Lexus UX is expected to be launched in 2019.

Tomica Toyota Crown models

Those are my first ever Tomica models, part of the Limited Vintage series, in 1/64 scale. They are very nicely made and I am very pleased with the level of detail for such small model cars! The models you see are:

• Crown Owner Deluxe - gen. 3 (LV-118b)
• Crown 2600 Royal Saloon - gen. 5 (LV-N83)
• Crown 2000 Eclair - gen. 6 (LV-N74b)

New Lexus LS arrives in 2017

The all-new Lexus LS should be introduced in May 2017 and it is going to use the new FR platform that the new LC 500 has first adopted. Based on that, it is expected that the new LS will be wider than the current model. Changes are also coming in terms of the powertrain, as Lexus is downsizing from the current 5.0-liter V8 engine with hybrid drive to a 3.5-liter V6 one, again with hybrid drive. The gasoline only LS is also likely to come with a smaller engine, but it is not certain yet, based on the info leaked.

An F Sport version will also become available and this time, Lexus is planning to use a turbocharged V8 engine in order to compete with Mercedes’ S63 AMG. During the second half of the model life, a new powertrain will be added. Scheduled to be released in 2020, a hydrogen fuel cell version will hit the markets, but the biggest surprise will be the introduction of the LS 250t. Power will come from a 2.5-liter inline-4 turbocharged engine coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Rumors suggest that Lexus is going to use cameras instead of door mirrors, as they are now legal in Japan (since June 17). The LF-FC concept showcased this technology and Lexus will definitely try to introduce it with the new LS.

Specifications:
■ Expected announcement date: May 2017
■ Total length x total width x height: 5,100 x 1,915 x 1,470 (mm)
■ Engine: 3.5L V6 + hybrid drive

Source: Mag-X via Car Sensor