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Lexus GS F

F Sport Fun: 2018 Lexus GS 350

July 26, 2018 by admin 6 Comments

The Lexus GS 350 F Sport delivers panache and performance.

2018 Lexus GS 350 F Sport.
2018 Lexus GS 350 F Sport.

The midsize luxury sedan market includes many participants, with every manufacturer offering at least one model.

In Lexus’ case, you have a choice of two models: the ES or the GS. The former is front-wheel-drive only, thus its appeal is to a different group of buyer than the one interested in the GS. The GS comes with standard rear-wheel drive and has available all-wheel drive, which appeals to drivers looking for a performance edge.

Lexus offers the 2018 GS in GS 300 ($46,510), GS 300 F Sport ($51,100), GS 350 ($50,895) and GS F Sport ($52,260) trims. You can also choose a hybrid model, the GS 450h ($63,635) and GS 450h F Sport ($68,680). Last, but not least is the GS F, a rear-wheel-drive performance model retailing from $84,350. Add $1,025 for the destination charge across the model line. All prices mentioned here are for the rear-wheel-drive versions.

Changes for 2018 include renaming the GS 200t the GS 300. The GS 350 and 450h return unchanged. As for the GS F, this model now has full range adaptive cruise control, which means it works at all speeds. Further, lane keep assist is added to the lane departure warning system. Finally, the Lexus Enform Safety Connect and Service Connect telematics systems are now complimentary for 10 years.

(See Also — Lexus Hotness: 2018 LC500!)

2018 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

Drilling Down: 2018 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

As for the test model at hand, Lexus supplied a 2018 GS 350 F Sport for my review. Here’s what you need to know about this midsize luxury sedan:

1. The F Sport delivers styling and handling edges.

Besides the apparent badging changes, what does the F Sport bring to the Lexus GS? The differences are somewhat subtle, but are most apparent beginning with the mesh front grille inserts.

From there, you’ll find front bumper and rear lower valence changes. Inside, the cabin has striated aluminum accents, aluminum pedals and door scuff plates, and unique perforated leather trim and a black headliner.

On the performance side, the F Sport adds adaptive variable suspension with a sport+ mode. There is no power advantage with the F Sport, however.

2018 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

2. You get V6-power all the way.

The GS 350 F Sport utilizes a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which is common to numerous Toyota and Lexus products. Thanks to a slight change in the engine’s compression ratio, this one bangs out 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque (compared to 268 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque in the 2018 ES).

The extra power, however, requires premium fuel. Lexus pairs this engine with an eight-speed automatic (six-speed automatic with all-wheel drive). This model makes an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

3. It comes well-equipped, but with some individual options.

The F Sport is an option package by itself, so there are no other packages to include. That said, you can find various individual options, including a heated leather-trimmed steering wheel ($150), a color heads-up display ($900) and a dynamic handling system, including dynamic rear steering ($1,700).

You can also upgrade to a 17-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System ($1,380), choose intuitive parking assist ($500), select a power open/close trunk ($400), go with a Torsen limited-slip differential ($500) or opt for premium triple-beam LED headlamps ($1,160). Claim every option and your final price will come in at $59,825.

2018 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

4. This is one display screen we like.

Manufacturers have tried different ways to attach a display screen to the center stack. Some emerge from the top of the stack, while others are bolted to the upper section and look a lot like a portable device.

Most are fixed within the center stack and that’s what Lexus has done with the GS, but with an important twist: it resides within a sculpted alcove that pushes into the passenger section of the dashboard. This big 12.3-inch screen is clear, easy to read and unobtrusive. It also features a three-section home section display, which is customizable for audio, traffic, climate control and MID data sharing. You control it with a mouse-like device, which requires much practice before you are accustomed to it.

A navigation system is standard with the F Sport and that’s a good thing. It can take over the entire display, which makes it easier to read. I like the 3D building and landmark displays. It also serves up an estimated time of arrival for your traffic routes and supplies detour information.

2018 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

5. The cabin is spacious, but then…

On paper, the Lexus GS seats five and it does. But if you’re a tall driver in need of maximum room, rear passenger space suddenly becomes cramped.

This is what sets the GS apart from the similar-sized Lexus ES. The ES has 40 inches of rear legroom to just 36.8 inches in the GS. Moreover, the GS has a pronounced drivetrain hump, while the front-wheel-drive ES has only a slightly raised reinforcing hump.

This “hump” point validates why Lexus also has the ES — it is the better of the two for rear passenger space. As for trunk room, the GS offers a robust 18.4 cubic feet to the ES’ modest 15.2 cubic feet. So, there are trade-offs with each model.

(See Also — First Look: 2019 Lexus ES)

2018 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

(See Also — Generation Five: 2018 Lexus LS)

6. The little things add up to something big.

Manufacturers typically give me one week with a vehicle before it is replaced with something else. This timeframe isn’t very long, but it is long enough for me to do some exploring.

2018 Lexus GS 350 F SportThat said, I can usually quickly identify the good and the bad (and sometimes the ugly) of a vehicle. Fortunately, “ugly” and “GS” aren’t synonymous.

The GS has a nifty sliding armrest that locks into different positions as you open and close it. Inside are the USB ports and a place to stash your smartphone. You can easily access the phone without losing the benefit of the armrest. That’s important to drivers who sometimes face an either/or proposition.

Other desirable features include the power seat extender, the power-adjustable headrests and the one-touch open moonroof. I also found the power tilt-and-telescopic steering column helpful. One missing feature is a fold-down rear seat. In its place is a center pass-through, which can be handy for holding long items such as skis or a floor lamp.

7. Safety is a priority.

We’re in an era where safety is a priority across the industry. This is a good thing. What’s better is where advanced driver-assist safety equipment is supplied as standard equipment.

Sadly, many manufacturers offer these features as part of an expensive package upgrade. But not so with Lexus. Indeed, the 2018 GS comes with the “Lexus Safety System+” Package. This bundle includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, all-speed dynamic radar control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and intelligent high beams.

There are individual safety options (see point No. 3) to enhance your driver experience, including a heads-up display and lane keep assist. Together, these tools signal Lexus’ move to autonomous drive.

8. Let’s take a look at tech.

Does the Lexus GS have a weak area? Yes. That would be with its technology as you cannot find Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone compatibility in any Lexus product. Word has it that Apple CarPlay will begin appearing in some Lexus products for 2019, but maybe not all. Android users will have to wait. The omission makes sense as Toyota/Lexus is being very careful that user information is not compromised through its Entune suite. Once they’re certain of that, Android should follow.

What you do get is Siri Eyes Free. Again, this tool is only available with Apple smartphones. As for the standard audio package, it is a 12-speaker system, but the Mark Levinson option is simply inspiring.

2018 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

On the Road: 2018 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

You need to manage your expectations when driving the GS 350 F Sport for there is a naturally aspirated V6 power under the hood. Yet, that power is more potent than the turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in GS 300 and that fact alone should leave any concern behind that the GS 350 isn’t up to the task.

Acceleration is strong and constant. A 0-60 mph time of just under 6 seconds is possible. This F Sport throws down 311 horsepower and bangs out 280 pound-feet of torque. The transmission complies, serving up and switching gears as needed. Switch to Sport+ mode and begin using the paddle shifters and you’ll enjoy the full benefit of this sedan. The F Sport attacks corners with precision and hangs curves with the best of them.

I mentioned to a friend that the GS is a driver’s car with all the steering, handling and stiffer ride benefits of the F Sport line. The exhaust toots and hums with that sound piped into the cabin. No, the F Sport isn’t a match for competing twin-turbo V6 models (that’s where the GS F comes in), but it supplies all the other attributes of a luxury sport sedan.

2018 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

Parting Thoughts: 2018 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

The Lexus GS 350 F Sport supplies everything it must do to earn the luxury sport sedan label. It is stylish inside and out, and the powertrain suits this sedan well.

Naturally, this model isn’t a competitor to twin-turbo V6 engines in this class, so keep this point in mind. The GS F fulfills this model’s performance aspirations, but you’ll pay $30,000 more to acquire one.

(See Also — Lexus NX Hybrid Shines in a Niche Segment)


2018 Lexus GS 350 F Sport


 2018 Lexus GS 350 F Sport

  • Sticker price from $53,285 (including a $1,025 destination fee)
  • Price as tested: $58,000 (estimated)
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 3.5-liter 24-valve V6 gasoline engine
  • 311 horsepower @ 6,400 RPM
  • 280 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,800 RPM
  • 3.70 inches bore by 3.27 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 11.8-to-1
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
  • Length: 193.5 inches
  • Width: 72.6 inches
  • Height: 56.7 inches
  • Passenger volume: 90.8 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 14.0 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: NR
  • EPA: 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway
  • Premium grade gasoline required
  • Fuel tank: 17.4 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 4,034 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Good: moderate overlap front, side, and roof strength
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 48 months/50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 72 months/70,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 72 months/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Motomachi-Aichi, Japan

2018 Lexus GS 350 F Sport


See Also — Production Reality: 2018 Lexus LC 500

2018 Lexus GS 350 F Sport photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2018 cars, all-wheel drive, F SPORT, LEXUS GS, Lexus GS 300, Lexus GS F, luxury sedan, rear-wheel drive, turbo, V6 engine

Luxury Performance Sedan: Lexus GS F

March 29, 2016 by admin 11 Comments

Lexus doubles its “F” performance line by bringing those trappings to the GS midsize sedan.

2016 Lexus GS F.
2016 Lexus GS F.

The Lexus GS is a midsize luxury sedan and prior to this year no performance variant was offered. But two things were changed for 2016: a turbocharged four-cylinder 200t model was introduced and a high-performance GS F sedan was rolled out.

Currently, the GS line consists of four-, six-, and eight-cylinder gasoline engine choices, effectively matching what some of its competitors offer, minus a diesel. Instead of a diesel, the GS line lays claim to a hybrid. And that should be hardly surprising as Lexus has more hybrid models than any other luxury brand.

2016 Lexus GS F

My test model for the week was the 2016 Lexus GS F, the second “F” product in the Lexus stable. Joining the RC F, both models share a normally aspirated 5.0-liter, V-8 engine making 467 horsepower and 389 foot-pounds of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a manual mode, this powertrain combination enables the Lexus GS F to take on such praiseworthy competitors as the Audi S6, BMW M5, Cadillac CTS-V and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.

Think “F” and “fast” may come to mind. F also represents Lexus’ high-performance brand, what has also yielded the limited-edition and exclusive LFA sports car. The line is a step above “F Sport,” a performance-oriented sub-brand big on looks, but lacking the consummate substance or execution of true F models.

The 2016 Lexus GS F is formidable in two departments: looks and performance. As for its countenance, several unique to the line modifications are present.

(See Also — F Sport Fun: 2018 Lexus GS 350)

Muscular and Assertive Demeanor

To begin, the now familiar hourglass (spindle) grille features a one-piece mesh spread with a narrow upper section and a much larger lower section. The headlamps offer a three-jewel design with L-shaped daytime running lights underneath. On both sides of the lower grille are oversized embrasures, covered with the same mesh layering. As for the hood, it flows into the front end and features creases and accents to complete this sedan’s muscular frontal presentation.

From the sides, the GS F has a look of always being in motion or is ready to take off. A long, sweeping profile is accented with upper character lines as well as distinctive boomerang side vents aft the front wheels and connecting with the lower body sculpting. All models are outfitted with 19-inch, forged aluminum wheels set within Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires. The test model came with color-coordinated brake caliper covers — the available orange calipers would have been my choice.

From the rear, the Lexus GS F presents a carbon fiber spoiler matching the sedan’s patina. Wrap around combination lamps with marque-familiar L-shaped LED lights, reflectors, and body sculpting are present. A quad exhaust rear diffuser provides the perfect exclamation point on this potent and sybaritic performance sedan.

Driver-Oriented Controls and High-End Materials

Inside, the indulgence continues with a cabin fit for five. No flat-bottomed steering wheel here — the GS F exudes speed and doesn’t need such a token embellishment. What is present are aluminum pedals, including a generously proportioned left foot rest pedal.

Lexus spared nothing in dressing the interior in the finest materials. Carbon fiber elements are found here and there, including on the door trim, at the base of the remote touch interface, and on the center register. Spread across the top of the instrument panel, on the door trim, and covering the center console is Alcantara. Exquisite stitching, decorative rivets, and LED lighting illumination are among the other touches in view.

Lexus describes the interior design as “driver-centric” and I’m in full agreement with that declaration. The cabin is substantial enough for all displays and controls to be sufficiently spaced — nothing is cluttered and every section is wisely used.

I especially liked that the tachometer is the larger of the two analog dials and is centered in the display. To the right is a smaller speedometer display. To the left is a digital driver’s information center. It is a clean, attractive layout and one unlike any other I’ve found thus far.

Lexus Enform Telematics

My favorite interior feature beyond a doubt was the color display. This massive 12.3 inch display sits within an alcove located near the top of the dashboard. Essentially, it is a two-part layout with the left three quarters showing navigation, media, and radio information. The right portion offers a map of the road ahead. The arrangement synchs with Lexus Enform, the brand’s telematic system.

Working your way down the center stack a pair of vents hem in an analog clock, followed by a CD player with radio knobs present. Beneath that are an assortment of switches for managing climate control, seat heating and cooling, and the vents.

The carbon-fibered section between the front seats include a covered compartment revealing a pair of cup holders. To the left and immediately between the seats is a transmission shifter and drive mode knob. To the right is an armrest and toggle knob for controlling the telematics display. Further, a sliding storage compartment with a removable tray, a pair of USB ports, an auxiliary audio input and a 12-volt outlet inside rounds out the center compartment.

Smooth leather seating surfaces are found front and rear with high back, ergonomic sport seats up front. The seats were designed with comfort and support in mind with pronounced bolstering to support the hip and thighs. Some may find the seats a bit stiff for their tastes, but lumbar adjustment should rectify any complaints they may have.

Three adults can sit in comfort side-by-side on the rear seat. Of course, two is better with the armrest pulled down from the center position to reveal a pair of cup holders and a storage compartment for a smart phone. A pass through grants access to the trunk and its 14 cubic feet of storage capacity.

No spare tire is offered — if you have a flat, an electric pump takes care of that problem, except if a nail embeds in the sidewall. In that case you’ll have to call for assistance. And that is precisely what happened when the GS F was en route to my house — a nail was discovered in the sidewall and the tire had to be replaced. That replacement took several days to accomplish as a hard-to-find tire had to be ordered and delivered to the dealership. Fortunately, Johnson Lexus of Durham (NC) rose to the occasion and the sedan was delivered to my home four days later. So much for not having a spare!

Normally-Aspirated V-8 Engine

I am a fan of performance boosting, in an effort to squeeze more power out of an engine’s footprint. My boosting preference is a supercharger, but if twin turbocharging is used I’m usually good with the latter as lag is essentially negated. Engine experts and enthusiasts may prefer a single, large turbo, but I have found that lag is still present.

Lexus could have taken the boosted circuit with its beefy V-8, but it opted for the normally aspirated route and that was a smart decision. Delivering 467 horsepower and 389 foot-pounds of torque, the 5.0-liter V-8’s performance numbers are well-suited to this sedan.

In any case, power is just one of three essential ingredients found in the GS F — the other two are style and handling. All three make the Lexus GS F what it is — a compelling alternative to Europe’s finest performance sedans.

Driving Dynamics and a Torque Vectoring Differential

At the heart of the GS is its driving dynamics. In particular, the drive mode select control offering Normal, Eco, Sport S, and Sport S+ choices. While you may prefer to have the mode set to Normal or even to Eco to maximize fuel economy (a good idea as the sedan has a thirsty side), it is the two sport modes that unleashes the beast contained within.

Choose Sport S and the acceleration quotient improves as engine output and throttling are modified. Choose Sport S+ if you want all that and improved communication through the steering wheel. Choose the latter and it feels like a pair of weights are hung on either side of the wheel.

Also at work is a torque vectoring differential (TVD), what manages rear wheel torque and is especially welcome when cornering. Torque is sent to the appropriate rear wheel in a bid to help the driver maintain control and do so in confidence. A switch located on the center console controls the TVD, enhancing the drive during standard, slalom, and track driving conditions. Add in an already rigid body, a performance-tuned double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, Brembo brakes, and electric power steering, and you have one heck of a fun driving experience at the ready.

Fast and Furious, Lexus GS F Style

That experience comes fast and furious, provided you have a place to “open her up” and let the GS F strut her stuff. Under normal and eco driving conditions, she purrs. Make the switch to Sport S and the GS F roars. So, let’s change the “F” to represent ferocious.

Indeed, that roar comes by stomping the pedal and keeping your foot on it as the GS F continues to pick up speed. It feels as if you’re hitting the red line as the engine revs high and hard. The moment you take your foot off the pedal, the exhaust system shrieks like a banshee — one or two hollers later and the GS F calms down.

Estimates of the GS F’s 0-to-60 mph comes in around 4.3 seconds. That seems about right. I allowed the transmission to do all the work as I wasn’t especially interested in flicking the manumatic stick to get the results I sought.

Certainly, the Lexus is fast. But where it shines brightest is on the twisty roads. I set the “diff” to slalom and the driving model to Sport S+ and had at it. Cornering was a snap — more than once I tackled 90 degree turns going at least 40 mph without braking (I was driving in the country where visibility was excellent and traffic nonexistent).

Shut down traction control and your anti-lock brakes won’t interfere — that button is on the lower lip of the dashboard and to the left of the steering column. Then, navigate the twisties and you’ll enjoy the Lexus GS F unimpeded. I don’t have a raft of luxury performance sedans to draw from to compare to the Lexus. Then again, various Americans sport coupes, the Corvette, Jaguar F-TYPE, Porsche Cayman and 911, Nissan GT-R, and BMW M6 have each been tested by yours truly. This Lexus is definitely a commendable model in its own right.

Lexus GS F Considerations

Should you consider the Lexus GS F? Yes, if you have $85,390 to spare. It is a mono-spec model, although there are a few upgrades worth considering, including the aforementioned orange brake calipers ($300) and a Mark Levinson premium sound system ($1,380). Your best GS F alternatives come from Cadillac and the top European brands, but when it comes to measuring prestige, quality and reliability, it is simply too hard to easily beat Lexus.

If you can live without the “F” the standard GS comes in at a very reasonable $50,000 and also offers optional all-wheel drive. For $45,615 you will enjoy even greater savings, provided you dispense with the standard and normally aspirated 3.5-liter, V-6 (GS 350) and go with the available 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine (GS 200t). Also, decorative F Sport trim on the GS 350 model adds just over $4,000 to the base price.

In all, Lexus makes a strong case for its own line of performance models. Another candidate for all things “F” would be the IS sedan, a compact model that aligns with the current RC. Whatever plans Lexus has for future F development, the current two-prong approach is an effective strategy and is worthy of serious consideration by performance enthusiasts who give equal consideration to all things luxury.


 2016 Lexus GS F

  • Sticker price from $84,400
  • Price as tested: $86,770
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 5.0-liter 32-valve V-8 gasoline engine
  • 467 horsepower @ 7,100 RPM
  • 389 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,800 to 5,600 RPM
  • 3.70 inches bore by 3.52 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 12.3-to-1
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
  • Length: 193.5 inches
  • Width: 72.6 inches
  • Height: 56.7 inches
  • Passenger volume: 90.8 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 14.0 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: NR
  • EPA: 16 mpg city, 24 mpg highway
  • Premium grade gasoline required
  • Fuel tank: 17.4 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 4,034 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Good: moderate overlap front, side, and roof strength
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 6 years/70,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Motomachi, Japan

See Also — Chrysler 200C: The Last Hurrah?


2016 Lexus GS F photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2016 cars, eight-speed transmission, Lexus Enform, Lexus GS F, luxury sedan, V8 engine

Highlights of the 2015 Detroit Auto Show: Media Day 2, Part 2

January 13, 2015 by admin 2 Comments

The size and scope of the North American International Auto Show is often lost upon ordinary visitors. For media folk, the show’s intensity is felt before, during and after the event. Indeed, with manufacturers hosting private reveals on the eve of the show, this two-day media event is actually a three-day event and in some cases longer when private behind-the-scenes interviews and discussions are held post-show.

The second days of the NAIAS had its own share of important news stories. Although the manufacturer portions of the media events were over by noon, the EyesOn Design Awards and the One Show’s Automobile Advertising of the Year Awards were held in the afternoon. Most press people were hurrying to the airport by early afternoon, but for the straggler, the chance to connect with industry movers and shakers remained.

2016 Lexus GS F

The 2016 Lexus GS F debuts in Detroit.

Lexus GS F Sedan

Our last focus on the Detroit auto show is entirely on the key reveals for Tuesday. Among the big, official reveals was the Lexus GS F, a performance model that advances the “F” range.

The rear-wheel drive GS is not the first Lexus sedan to win the F appellation. It joins the IS F sedan and the current RC F coupe. Not to be forgotten is the pinnacle of the F stable: the limited production LFA sports car, a model sated with all the exotic touches you would expect in a super car.

The GS F’s look is familiar, but with a number of important modifications. It features a unique version of Lexus’ trademark hourglass or spindle grille and has large, gaping air vents in the front fascia. Slender LED headlights, signature daytime running lights as well as lower and wider stance help set this F model apart from the GS pack.

Inside, Lexus compares the cabin to a jet fighter cockpit. A “form-follows-function” theme, intuitively placed controls, “F” branded embellishments, and an electronic instrument cluster give this model a special look. Four drive modes are available: normal, eco, sport s and sport s+.

Under the hood of the 2016 Lexus GS F is a naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 engine making 467 horsepower and 389 foot-pounds of torque, redlining at 7,300 rpm. This beefy engine is teamed with an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The 32-valve V-8 automatically switches to the efficient Atkinson cycle under certain conditions.

Aiding handling are 19-inch Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires that are wider at the rear. Its sport-tuned suspension was put through the paces on the Fuji Speedway as well as on the Nürburgring Nordeschleife. This model features 15-inch front rotors available with bright-orange 6-piston calipers. Importantly, Lexus says that the GS F has a significant handling edge to its European rivals as it weighs approximately 300 pounds less.

2016 Lincoln MKX

The second generation Lincoln MKX debuts this fall.

2016 Lincoln MKX

The Ford brand continues to receive the lion’s share of the auto show buzz and who can blame it? After all, when your pickup truck wins the North American Truck of the Year award and you take the wraps off of a new super car, the Ford GT, the blue oval certainly dazzles.

Quietly making its own impression on the market is Ford’s Lincoln luxury brand, the beneficiary of two new models for 2015 — the MKC crossover and Navigator SUV — and for 2016 the next generation of its medium-sized MKX crossover utility vehicle.

Just before the manufacturer segment of the media days came to a close, Lincoln unveiled the 2016 MKX, the latest iteration of its premium model. The new edition enjoys several changes, including the latest interpretation of the marque’s design language, an all-new engine, several technology updates and available 22-way adjustable front seats.

The new engine, a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6, also powers the 2015 F-150. It is the optional engine for the MKX, making at least 330 horsepower and 370 foot-pounds of torque. A naturally-aspirated 3.7-liter V-6 making 300 horsepower and 280 foot-pounds of torque is standard. Both engines are mated with six-speed automatic transmissions.

The 2016 MKX also benefits from an integral rear suspension, modifications to the body structure as well as to chassis components. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available.

Other changes to the Lincoln MKX include an available 360-degree camera, enhanced park assist, and a 19-speaker Revel Ultima audio system. A pair of Black Label packages with four designer themes will also debut.

The Ram 1500 Rebel unveiled at Detroit's auto show.

The Ram 1500 Rebel unveiled at Detroit’s auto show.

Special Edition Ram 1500 Rebel

Pickup truck manufacturers are on constant watch for niche markets they can serve. One day after the next generation Ford Raptor made its debut, the Ram 1500 Rebel dropped cover.

Ram describes the 1500 Rebel as a “one-of-a-kind off-road design.” It will come equipped with a prominent billet silver “RAM” letter badge affixed to its all-new grille. Instead of the commonly found cross-hair front fascia, the new look showcases a black off-road front bumper design, a billet silver skid plate, new front tow hooks and unique LED fog lamps. This truck will also come with black bezel bi-functional projector headlamps with LED marker lights placed underneath its aluminum, twin-snorkel sport hood.

Other features include an exclusive air suspension to adjust ride height, standard 33-inch tires, a “RAM” stamped tailgate with blacked-out lettering, “Rebel” and “4×4” badging, tail lamps with black bezels and a tri-fold tonneau cover.

Inside, the muscular look continues with what Ram describes as “industry-exclusive seating elements.” Technical grain vinyl seats, Sedoso fabric inserts, light diesel gray accent stitching, Radar Red Ram’s head embroidery affixed to the headrests and other embellishments are present.

The instrument panel is dressed in black, iron gray metallic trim wraps the center console and Radar Red anodized vent rings and door rings are present. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are included.

The Ram 1500 Rebel will be sold in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations with a 3.6-liter V-6 or 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engines available. The brand’s trademark side bed storage compartment, RamBox, is also available.

The new Rebel goes on sale during the second half of 2015 and will join nine other Ram truck editions.

Related 2015 Detroit Auto Show Articles

Highlights of the 2015 Detroit Auto Show: Media Day 2, Part 1

Highlights of the 2015 Detroit Auto Show: Media Day 1, Part 2

Highlights of the 2015 Detroit Auto Show: Media Day 1, Part 1

Photos and news details supplied by the car manufacturers.

Filed Under: Auto Shows Tagged With: AUTO SHOW, AUTOMOBILE ADVERTISING, DETROIT, EYESON DESIGN AWARD, Lexus GS F, Lincoln MKX, NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW, RAM 1500 REBEL

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