2008 Lexus RX350 review

Exterior

The RX was born with a very distinctive style that made its success and initiated the whole crossover movement. Under those circumstances, it is of no surprise that the 2008 RX350 facelift only features minor details such as a new front grille, chrome handles and a slightly redesigned bumper featuring larger fog lamps. In fact, it is almost impossible to see any difference between the 2008 RX and earlier (2003) second-generation models.

In the very active luxury crossover market, competition has been busy trying to copy and beat the RX. Nevertheless, Lexus’ crossover is still up-to-date when compared against the BMW X3 or newly arrived Acura MDX. The reason might be that the RX style is more luxurious than sporty (and luxury vehicles tend to age better than sport cars). Even after eleven years the main design is still very competitive and blends very well in the market.

2008 Lexus IS 250 SR

Not only the IS-F can be hot; Lexus unveiled a sportier version of the IS 250 on the UK market. No, is not about a performance package, just a full body kit and the “SR” letters in the title.

The body kit features deep skirts to the front, rear and sides of the car, a rear spoiler and 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels. Owners who want to make a sportier statement can order the optional five-spoke 18-inch Tsuki rims. Inside the only additions to the IS 250 SR concern the aluminum scuff plates and pedals along with the standard heated front seats.

The IS 250 SR is offered in three exterior colours -Velvet Black and Cadoxton Slate and Argento Ice metallic finishes. All are matched to Worcester Black interior fabric trim.

Under the hood there is the standard 204Hp 2.5-liter V6 engine.

The IS 250 SR will go on sale in the UK from 19 May price £24,990 (manual) and £25,800 (automatic).

2010 Lexus SC

According to various sources the future generation SC will be powered by the same engines as the current generation LS (meaning that the next generation SC will be called SC460?). This will mean a 4.6 liter V8 engine that delivers 380 hp@6,400 rpm. But on the other hand, this will mean 100 hp more than the current SC only has a maximum power of 280 Hp we seriously doubt that.

Also on the second hand the BMW 335i only has a maximum power of 300 hp and Lexus’ target is the 3-Series we presume the SC’s output will also be around 300 hp.

The 2010 Lexus SC will make the 0 to 60 mph sprint in less than 5.5 seconds and will hit a top speed of 155 mph.

2008 Lexus SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition

The Callaway Golf(R) Experience

Four exclusive packages are designed to improve the look and performance of one’s golf game. One dozen personalized Callaway Golf Tour ix Golf Balls can be combined with a Callaway Golf Ft-I driver or Callaway Golf Hyper X driver and one X Hybrid. Three Callaway Golf X-Forged wedges and one Odyssey White Hot XG 2-Ball putter are matched to one dozen personalized Callaway Golf Tour ix Golf Balls. One case (12 dozen) of personalized Callaway Golf Tour ix Golf Balls is also available.

Travel Package

Pebble Beach Edition owners can carry style and refinement from their vehicle into a luxury hotel with one of three luxury luggage packages. A cafe- colored three-piece leather luggage set includes two cabin duffels, one carriage duffel, and personalized embossed luggage tags. Two pairs of Callaway Golf Eyewear complement the café-colored leather briefcase or the cafe-colored leather tote bag.

2008 Lexus LF-A Roadster

The LF-A Roadster is based on the sturdy yet lightweight carbon-fiber and aluminum body used for the LF-A coupe, which helps maintain the structure’s strength and rigidity even without a top.

Like its coupe counterpart, the LF-A Roadster is powered by a high-revving V10 engine that approaches 5.0 liters in displacement. The V10, capable of more than 500 horsepower and test-track speeds greater than 200 mph, is mounted in front of the passenger compartment but behind the front-axle centerline in what the LF-A’s engineers refer to as a “front-mid” configuration.

The engine is connected via a torque tube and propeller shaft to a transaxle that is controlled by paddle shifters. The torque tube is a structural member that adds rigidity to the drivetrain and chassis while also reducing vibration.

Styling is rooted in the Lexus L-Finesse design philosophy, conferring the LF-A Roadster’s front end with a compact, low-profile, aerodynamic shape. Like its coupe counterpart, the LF-A Roadster stands just 48 inches tall, but the Roadster configuration adds a speed adaptive rear wing.

Lexus IS-F Racing Concept

At the Tokyo Auto Salon, Lexus revealed the racing version of the IS-F sedan. And even if Lexus said “It is only a research prototype”, the IS-F Racing Concept will be used at the DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) racing.

But if you were wondering if this is a SuperGT car, the answer is “No”. Lexus will continue as planned and in the 2008 season they will use the usual SC430 Coupe.

Project IS F by Five Axis

From conceptual design, to manufacturing, to final product, Five Axis handles all their work under one roof. Troy Sumitomo graduated from the esteemed Art Center of Design with a BS in Automotive Design back in ’92 and hasn’t looked back. Learning the ropes at other fabrication companies, Troy eventually struck out on his own and started Five Axis in 1995.

Exterior

• Five Axis Design 6” Wide Body Conversion
• Five Axis Custom Satin Black Pearl Paint with Satin Bronze Accents

Engine

• PHASE 2

Exhaust

• Five Axis Design Exhaust System and Dual Finishers

Wheels

• FIVE:AD S5:F Wheels
  • F 20×8.5, +25
  • R 20×10.5, +33