2020 LEXUS LS 500 QUICK TAKES
For more than three decades, the LS has helped define the flagship sedan segment.
The LS 500 and LS 500h return in 2020 with a few key updates, but the biggest news in the lineup is the addition of the new LS 500 Inspiration Series.
The 2020 LS 500 Inspiration Series will be offered in a unique Deep Garnet exterior paint and is outfitted with standard features such as 20-inch Black Vapor Chrome wheels, white semi-aniline leather interior and Kiriko glass trim, just to name a few. It will be limited to only 300 units.
Already equipped with one of the most technologically advanced safety systems in the industry, the 2020 LS also features the Lexus Safety System 2.0 as standard equipment. LSS+ 2.0 features daytime bicyclist detection and low-light pedestrian detection along with Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) to further expand the scenarios in which the LS is designed to help provide additional safety to the driver and passengers.
All LS models for 2020 come standard with Apple CarPlay® compatibility that allows guests to access the same familiar interface of their iPhone® through the LS’s 12.3-inch dashboard display.
The 2020 Lexus LS has a sleek and bold design with a coupe-like silhouette. Lexus designers took full advantage of the rear-wheel drive Global Architecture – Luxury (GA-L) platform to give the LS a stretched, ground-hugging appearance.
AS TESTED WITH LEXUS SAFETY SYSTEM; FORGED ALLOY WHEELS; EXECUTIVE PACKAGE; PANORAMA GLASS ROOF; HAND PLEATED INTERIOR DOOR TRIM; MARK LEVINSON AUDIO SYSTEM; AND MUCH MORE….TOTAL VEHICLE PRICE: $115,970
2020 Toyota Tacoma Quick Takes
The Toyota Tacoma, America’s best-selling mid-size pickup for 13 years in a row, isn’t stopping to admire its trophy case. Instead, it looks to keep its place atop the pecking order with new tech, style, comfort and convenience features, making the 2020 Tacoma more compelling and more competitive than ever.
A perennial award winner for segment-leading value, the Tacoma line boosts its appeal for 2020 with revised styling, expanded multimedia tech, added comfort and convenience features and, for the TRD Pro, additional off-road tech. https://testdrivenow.com/2020-toyota-tacoma-quick-takes/
The third-generation Tacoma pickup, with a design inspired by Toyota’s legendary desert race trucks, continues the model’s tradition of working hard and playing hard. With more than 30 configurations in six model grades available, there’s a Tacoma for every need: work-ready SR; high-style, high-value SR5; athletic TRD Sport; adventurous TRD Off-Road; ultimate off-road TRD Pro; and top-of-the-line Limited.
Nearly all 2020 Tacomas debut a new front grille design and new or updated wheel, each tailored to the specific grade. Inside, a new 10-way power adjustable driver seat with power lumbar support adds comfort on all grades SR5 and up. A new multimedia system now includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The SR will feature an upgraded 7-inch touchscreen, while SR5 grades and higher will feature a larger 8-inch touchscreen display. A new LED bed lamp is also available to brighten nighttime functionality while consuming less energy.
2020 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium
2020 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Premium Review By Auto Critic Steve Hammes.
What’d you do if you’re a car company that wants to resurrect a dormant sports car nameplate but you no longer build fast cars? One option is to outsource the job to an expert. This is the all-new, BMW-infused 2020 Supra.
I mean this car looks like it just jumped off of a teenager’s sketch pad…and I mean that as a compliment. Its slick, almost cartoonish appearance is the sports car we imagined designing when we were kids and the hat tip to Supras of the past found in the deatils is very cool. But after that, Toyota’s involvement here is murky at best. And you know what? The Supra is so good I don’t really care. For about $56,000 Toyota is selling a fully stocked 2-seater that’ll leave you longing for another backroad blast.
Aston Martin Vantage
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
2020 Mazda MX-5 RF Review
If you’re lucky enough to consider a summer toy, Mazda’s been tempting shoppers with this one for 3 decades. Of course, it’s the Miata; the world’s fun-loving, affordable roadster. The Miata RF is sexy and is still turning heads. Total MSRP of this one is $35,390 – but go with the manual. https://testdrivenow.com/2020-mazda-mx-5-rf-review/
2020 Mazda MX-5 RF Review By Auto Critic Steve Hammes