Aston Martin Vantage Review By Auto Critic Steve Hammes. https://testdrivenow.com/aston-martin-vantage/
Excluding their “Special Models” – the ones you’ll never see that cost millions of dollars – Aston Martin essentially sells 3 cars: the range-topping, $300k+ DBS Superleggera I tested a couple of months ago, the DB11 grand tourer and this; the brand’s most popular and affordable sports car, the Vantage. There’s no doubting the Vantage’s excessive curb appeal and if you drive with a purpose this is a car that will endlessly entertain.
MSRP as-tested: $170,609

The Lexus LC 500 blends emotional design and high performance like few other cars on the road. The Lexus LC 500 represents the most passionate expression of the Lexus brand. The eye-catching coupe displays a unique mesh grille that spreads across the front of the car. It has a large glass panel and blacked-out rear pillars that creates a floating roof appearance. The LC emphasizes a balance between function and comfort, sporting intent and luxury. The low instrument panel position, hood line and narrow pillars give the driver a commanding view of the road. Upon startup, thundering through the variable Active Exhaust, the five-liter, naturally aspirated V8 issues a full-throated engine note as a call to driving enthusiasts. The LC 500 has an output of 471 hp and 398 lb.-ft. of peak torque. The LC is also capable of delivering a 0-to-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and up to an estimated 26 mpg on the highway. The 2019 LC 500 is the ultimate luxury sports coupe. With a combination of supreme comfort and dynamic performance, Lexus designers and engineers created a grand touring vehicle that is sharper, smarter and faster than ever before.

The upper echelon for this midsize sedan is the Mazda6 Signature, an aspiration trim level brimming with premium amenities. One can’t help but notice the gunmetal front grille, that helps provide an aggressive appearance inviting all to step inside. The sophisticated interior is available in either Parchment or Deep Chestnut Nappa leather and adorned with authentic Japanese Sen wood and gilded UltraSuede interior accents. A 360º View Monitor with front and rear parking sensors, seven-inch TFT reconfigurable digital gauge display, Mazda navigation system and SiriusXM three-year Traffic and Travel Link subscription add to the convenient and safety features of the Mazda6. The black headliner, frameless rearview mirror, LED ambient lights and unique stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel complete the heightened look and feel. https://testdrivenow.com/2019-mazda-mazda6-signature-quick-takes/ AS SHOWN WITH SOUL RED CRYSTAL PAINT AND PARCHMENT NAPPA LEATHER. TOTAL PRICE $36,815.

The NX 300 F SPORT grabs the senses with its detailed design, handling performance and sound. The F SPORT option exterior includes a unique honeycomb front end with a more aggressive grille, optional Premium Triple-Beam LED headlights and a lower bumper with elegant chrome treatment. The front-end of the NX 300 F Sport achieves an even more aggressive appearance thanks to a lower bumper, rear lower bumper and taillamps, an addition of laser fog light housing, larger exhaust opening and an optional 18-inch F SPORT alloy wheels with All-Season or Summer tires.

Enjoy the sound of an engine revving? The Lexus NX 300 F SPORT obliges with Active Sound Control (ASC), which brings some of the engine note through the speakers and enhances it, with volume adjustable by the driver.

Body-hugging, quilted NuLuxe® sport seat surfaces are exclusive to the F SPORT, which also offers an exclusive interior color, Circuit Red. The driver grips a perforated leather-trimmed F SPORT steering wheel and brushed metallic gearshift. 

The F SPORT’s unique instrumentation is inspired by the Lexus LFA supercar. The driver can view real-time performance with the Lexus-first G-Force meter “G-ball” in the Multi Information Display. The G-ball moves in response to the vehicle’s lateral and longitudinal forces. The MID displays the peak force in each direction. Display bars indicate the steering angle, throttle opening angle and brake pressure. The MID also provides a turbo-boost display. 

A midsize sport sedan with few compromises, the 2019 Lexus GS continues to offer a unique blend of pulse quickening performance, sumptuous luxury and world-class quality. For those who would prefer a GS with a little more edge, the F SPORT package can be added to any version of the GS. Upgrading to the F SPORT package combines track-tuned chassis enhancements with exclusive exterior and interior design features for a more distinctive look and feel.

Every F SPORT package includes a specially tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension, 19-inch split spoke alloy wheels, a Sport+ drive mode, LFA-inspired instrumentation and sport seats with a 16-way, power adjustable driver’s seat. Rear-wheel drive models can also be equipped with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and 14-inch, two-piece brake rotors with 4-piston, monoblock calipers. Optional equipment on rear-wheel drive F SPORT models includes a TORSEN® limited slip rear differential, the Lexus Dynamic Handling (LDH) system with Dynamic Rear Steering (DRS) and orange brake calipers.

Styling enhancements on all F SPORT models include a unique front bumper, revised grille and rear valence and a rear spoiler. On the inside, the F SPORT package adds aluminum trim, a black headliner and aluminum pedals.