1. That it even exists at all
As recently as 2014 Lexus had a total of zero offerings in the “Luxury Compact SUV” class. The closest it came was the RX, an extremely comfortable and capable car that sorely lacked in the performance category. No more.

2. Looks. This cah looks wicked shahhp
The NX looks like an RX that just finished cross fit boot camp. (I know, I know, the first rule of cross fit is you NEVER ALWAYS talk about cross fit) The NX has pinched lines, sharp flares and a very athletic stance. It’s not quite the head turner of say, the new Porsche Macan, but it’s damn close.

3. Performance
The 2.0L 235HP Turbo Engine gives the NX a certain punch on the road that it’s bigger siblings lack. You won’t win many races off the line but when it comes time to pass a semi you’ll find the NX is up to the task.

4. Did you say TURBO?!
Finally a turbo engine in a luxury sports model. I’m a fan.

5. Comfort
Performance by it’s very nature means a stiffer ride. Part of the charm of a responsive car is feeling every bump and line in the pavement. The NX manages to mix luxury and sport quite nicely, the stiff body really lengthens out against the road at speed. The well constructed interior is free of rattles and noise. Little body roll in the turns and just enough road feedback to keep the driver connected.

6. The 10 Way Power Seat
Speaking of comfort, there’s that whole chair you’re sitting in thing. In what remains one of my favorite features of most new luxury cars, the seat automatically moves to your preset standards of perfection. You slide forward while the steering wheel telescopes into your waiting hands. It’s a truly personal touch, one that gives you ownership of the car from your first moments behind the wheel.

7. Electrochromic Rear and Side View Mirrors
Say it with me… Electro-Chrome-ick. Fancy way of saying Auto Dimming. You know how when you’re on the road at night and one of those gaudy new cars comes up behind and nearly blinds you? Not in the NX. The mirrors automatically dim your pursuer’s floodlights to a level that will leave your retinas unscarred.

8. Cornering LED Headlights
No more leaps of faith as you travel a dark and winding road. The headlights on the NX turn into the road with your eyes. They could also illuminate a high school football game. Yea, I’m totally a part of the problem here. On one hand I curse the masses with their search light caliber headlights, on the other hand I say to my wife, “Look at how BRIGHT THE ROAD IS HONEY!” There’s a metaphor for modern society in here somewhere. I’ll leave it to you.

9.F SPORT TRIM LEVEL
Sorry for shouting. Thing is, these Lexus’ (Lexus’s? Lexi?) that I test drive are almost all the F Sport trim level. That means a veritable paragraph of features that aren’t available on the base model. Features like cornering headlights, 18” sport wheels and Drive Mode Select. If you’re one of the few and proud to read every car review I’ve ever written (hi Mom!) you’ll remember Drive Mode Select. While the NX lacks the S+ mode that its more nimble cousins have, the S mode on the dial definitely creates a different driving experience. The gears stretch longer, the engine revs louder and the car takes off just a little bit faster on command. Drive Mode Select lets you choose between the smooth and safe fuel economy of ECO, the traditional stability of Normal or the “Get me the heck out of here” oomph of Sport mode.

10. Technology
Lexus continues to embrace technological advancements in the NX. Standard back up camera and Infotainment system meet optional features like “Qi- Compatible” Wireless Charger in stride and help to create a largely intuitive and nearly seamless integration of modern technology into your drive.

11. Safety
Loaded with airbags and crumple zones, the best safety features are the ones that keep you out of an accident in the first place. Blind spot monitoring and Rear cross Traffic Alert join forces to keep you more aware of your surroundings than the naked eye ever could.

12. Intuitive Parking Assist
I don’t wrestle any bears and have never wielded an axe in battle but in todays urban battlefield, skills like parallel parking hold as much value as medieval warfare did in its time. The Intuitive Park Assist feature helps anyone become the William Wallace of parallel parking. Not that I needed it, I’m a tough guy. It was nice though, I could get used to it. Hey I’d like to see Mr. Wallace street park at Venice Beach on a holiday weekend.

13. Paddle Shifters
Paddle shifters get better every year. I use them constantly on the road to regulate my speed without moving my feet. These shifters changed gears seamlessly and instantly, reducing speed and increasing RPM’s with the flick of your hand.

14. Price!?!
Price? Am I about to say “only” about an extravagant sum of money? No! Ok, Maybe! You can buy a brand spanking new reasonably equipped Lexus NXt for $34k. Not bad at all if you consider what it stacks up against. Only the Acura RDX starts lower priced amongst it’s peers. A recent ranking by US News and World Report had the NX ranked at #2 in the class overall. The 1st place finisher starts at $50k. A fully maxed NX comes in shy of that by almost seven thousand dollars at $43k. Good value for the luxury segment.

15. Improvements
Lexus must have heard the chorus of well fed writers quibbling about it’s standard infotainment system and Enform App Suite. I was one of them. The Remote Touch controller is still far from perfect but it’s certainly better than last year’s model. The ergonomic wrist support is a nice touch, the intuition of the mouse tracker is vastly improved and the entire interface is more useful and pleasant to interact with. Year to year improvement on a software and hardware level? I’ll take it.

All in all the NXt represents an impressive first offering in the segment. It shares enough DNA with the Lexus family to keep it’s customers comfortable but manages to add just enough power and athletic styling to pronounce itself as something new amongst the crowded compact SUV market.

Cars.com photo by Evan Sears

Next month is when we all scramble around to see what we can do to woo that special someone for Valentine’s Day. If you are picking up your date and are hoping to get lucky here are some cars that Cars.com suggests to pick up your sweet Valentine in! It might help your chances.

Cars.com photo by Evan Sears

Ram 1500

With four-corner air suspension and a RamBox, a thoughtful husband or boyfriend can store six dozen roses and 72 boxes of chocolate in the two lockable storage bins. He can even lower the entire truck several inches to make it easier on his date if she’s wearing a fancy dress, along with dropping a 4×6 air mattress in the back to do some star-gazing.

Cars.com photo by Evan Sears

Audi R8

Christian Grey drives one in “Fifty Shades of Grey” (both the book and the movie that just so happens to open on Valentine’s Day). ‘Nuff said.

Photo Credit Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

There’s nothing more romantic than a top-down moonlight cruise and what better car to do it in than a luxury convertible. The E-Class Cabriolet has power, style and a premium, snuggle-friendly interior. Equipped with the optional AirScarf system, it even pipes warm air to the back of your neck. You’re in charge of whispering sweet nothings, however.

Hyundai Sonata

An affordable ride doesn’t always have to mean cheap dates. The Sonata has a rare feature among family sedans – a panoramic moonroof – so you can take in the city lights in a night out on the town without the cold-weather exposure that a convertible top incurs. It is February, after all.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Hot-stone massage … in a car? Yes, who needs to go to the spa when there’s a masseuse, of sorts, in this Mercedes-Benz. The premium package adds heated, ventilated and most importantly, massaging front seats. What could be more relaxing on a date night than dialing up one of six massage programs, including one that has a “hot stone” effect.

Cars.com photo by Evan Sears

Subaru Outback

Maybe you’re a little more practical-minded when it comes to expressions of love. Well, nothing makes a spouse happier than a completed honey-do list. Help knock off some to-do’s off the list with the redesigned Subaru Outback, recently crowned Cars.com’s “Best New Wagon of 2015.” This wagon makes quick work of chores with its sizable cargo area.

Full disclosure. I’m not what you’d call a big fan of trade shows.

It’s always the same. Square miles of displays that hit you over the head with the best marketing and design that money can buy. Glossy looking women smile for pictures with eager fanboys and shiny products. Legions of brand ambassadors buzz and hover around you until the exact moment you need to ask a question. It’s a trail of tears usually punctuated with a choice elbow or two from a stranger as you jockey for some cheap swag. I often make it halfway through the floor before my feet start to swell and my brain starts to wander. The perfect booth? The one with couches and recliners. Those people know what’s up.

Yet here I am. To be fair, the LA Auto Show manages to rise above it all as much as a trade show can. Cars are big business, it’s not like they’re selling bingo accessories here. End of the day, what do we learn at these shows and how do we convey it?

What do you need to know? How many thousand words to say it?

Being the internet, a top ten list seemed in order. I’ll be taking private requests for 5,000 word dissertations on each brand. PM me.

10. Fuel economy remains a crucial focus.
Automakers across the spectrum are touting fuel economy more than ever. Classes previously left out like SUV’s and trucks are advertising higher mpg’s and the numbers are actually pretty respectable. Toyota is releasing a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle this year. This is huge news. Electric cars, plug ins and hybrids are nearly ubiquitous at this point. Efficiency is king.

9. New cars are loaded with extras.
Loaded to the point that standard features like Bluetooth and connectivity are hardly mentionable. Most cars, even on the low end, come with some sort of touch screen infotainment system. Steering wheel controls and hands free systems have become nearly standard across the board.

8. Safety
New cars are very, very safe. Decades of research have collided with modern technology to provide useful features like rear cross traffic alerts, assistive braking and blind spot monitoring. Subaru is putting front facing cameras in your windshield to help prevent accidents caused by a sudden stop in front. (I’m looking at you texters) While these features attempt to keep you out of a crash in the first place, old school technology like air bags, crumple zones and reinforced cages are there when the accident can’t be avoided.

7. Cars are getting expensive
As a result of all this, cars are not cheap. Entry level sedans start around 15k, good family sedans or SUV’s will easily run you 30k. Semi-luxury cars break 40k with ease. There are lots of great cars out there but they sure aren’t giving anything away. BMW, Audi and Mercedes have several 6 figure offerings. The exotics are way out there. Here’s my advice. If you have to ask, you can’t afford it.

6. KIA really wants the world to know they are not cheap and they ready for adventure
KIA is pushing hard to get away from some older brand impressions. KIA is cheap? No way. Not with wine and cheese stations in their press area. KIA is boring? Look at the styling! Beaded seat cover inspired grills, bold and powerful lines inside and out, KIA is visually standing out more and more every year. Hell, Blake Griffin jumped over an Optima 3 years ago. You think that was it for them? KIA is all in. Over the top adventure ready imagery? The guy rappelling up and down from the KIA sign says no. I’ll agree with anyone dangling over my head.

5. The Big Players Remain the Big Players… For a Reason
I’ve always been fascinated to see an automakers entire line in one space. From an anthropological stand point, the vehicles they manufacture essentially categorize every type of person according to what type of car they drive. The common theme, from the Civic to the Dodge 2500 is that if it worked last year, do it again, but bigger and bolder. Outside of that Ford, Toyota, GM and Honda remain the big boys on the block. Ford has kept to its newest redesign and still retain notes from the Aston Martin. Honda keeps hitting it’s mark in their favorite categories of sedan, small SUV and small crossover. From Scion to Lexus, Toyota seems to have its fingers in every single aspect of the auto buyers life cycle. GM continues to flood the US market with very distinct and often niche brands. It’s business as usual for the big 4. Except…

4. Big, Bad, Toyota?
Toyota is getting aggressive! This is not just a cute Corolla with a pointy nose. This is a conscious and brand wide effort that starts at the top thanks to direct orders from Toyota President Akio Toyoda. Each year they get a little more sporty looking and a little more aggressive in style and substance. There is of course the new FT-1 concept. (Welcome back Supra!) Which looks awesome. If Toyota’s recent use of concepts holds true the FT-1 announces a major shift in design language across the line. We will see notes from the FT-1 and the Lexus LF-C2 in everything from the Corolla to the 4 Runner a lot sooner than you might think.

3. Goodbye to the Van as You Know It

The van is dead! The van is dead! Long live the euro van! Starting with Ford and Nissan, the van as we know it is gone. The new and boxy style van we’ve become accustomed to seeing on European cobblestone is our new master. Get used to it. Even the less enthusiastic interpretations out there show signs of transition. For what it’s worth the Ford Transit offers 487.3 cubic feet of cargo space for only 35k starting. That is a ton of room. I can walk in the back standing nearly straight up. Working men rejoice!

2. Dodge remains a bunch of badasses.

Dodge continues it’s unapologetic use of machismo to lure in auto buyers. (707 hp Hellcat!!!). Big bold cars loaded with horsepower and aggressive styling. Dodge makes no apologies for itself. I like that even more than I like their cars.

1. Subaru goes mainstream?.
Subaru seems to have caught up in terms of driver amenities and their traditionally quirky styling has been toned down to something a little easier to digest. Brand consistency doesn’t hurt either, it’s been 18 years since Paul Hogan G’day mated us the Subaru outback and the car remains a top seller. Subaru is growing exponentially in markets they’ve only sniffed a decade ago and their car offerings reflect that. 25% annual growth will do that.

All in all some interesting and exciting things to learn this year. Cars mirror society like few other consumer items and this years crop is no exception. We are attempting to become a more efficient and practical society. The gap between the elite and the bottom continues to grow yet many reasonable facsimiles of luxury remain available to the middle class. Our country retains great access to credit and new vehicles remain accessible to many. Automakers continued focus on performance and the driver experience mean great things are ahead for new car buyers in 2015.

That is of course if you can afford it.

Jeremy is can be found on Twitter at @jeremyspeaks and Instagram @jeremybjohnson. He likes cars, food and long walks on the beach and absolutely loves typing about himself in third person

Photo Credit Is Cars.com for All Photos

We’ve all heard the phrase “don’t be that guy…” It’s tossed out to prevent an undesirable action in a number of situations and most cases we support the rule of thumb. For example, we support not being the guy who double dips at party.  We also support not being the guy who posts every single meal to Instagram because you’re a self-proclaimed “foodie.” That said, we believe in certain cases that rule doesn’t always apply. Particularly when it comes to awesome car features. Our friends at Cars.com put together a list of the greatest “show-off” features in new cars and if you’re looking to be that car guy, take a look and head over to Cars.com to learn more. We salute you!

1. 2014 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Magic Sky Control Roof

Mercedes doesn’t include the word “magic” in its features frivolously. We can’t say the same for Honda’s Magic Seat, which just folds differently. What happens inside of the SL- and SLK-Class roadsters is indeed some form of sorcery. An electrically charged film on the sunroof transforms the glass from transparent to opaque with the push of a button and is guaranteed to get a “Whoa” from passengers.

2. 2014 Audi A8 Retractable Bang & Olufsen Tweeters

Fire up the audio system in a Bang & Olufsen-equipped Audi A8 and you’re in for a surprise as two tweeter towers automatically extend out of the dashboard. Is it awesome? Yes. Will it break? Probably. But when it does work, all eyes in the car will be on those precisely aligned speakers as they rise from the dashboard.

3. Self-Parking Systems

The art of showing off often starts from the very first time you ride a bicycle hands free, shouting “Look, Ma, no hands.” When equipped with a self-parking system like on the 2015 Lincoln MKC, drivers can utter the same phrase. The car identifies a parking space and automatically steers into place while the driver modulates the brake and accelerator pedal. Even your mom would be impressed.

4. Multimode Exhaust Systems

Nothing makes your presence known like a gloriously loud exhaust system on a bright red sports car. Automakers like Chevrolet and Porsche have embraced the experience with tame exhaust systems that transform into head-turning loud on demand. The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette’s electronically controlled valve in the optional Performance Exhaust System opens a lower-resistance path in the mufflers, meaning loud. The Porsche 911’s optional sports exhaust is one of the most boisterous out there and can set off car alarms in parking garages with a rev of the engine.

5. 2015 Dodge Challenger Sublime Green Paint

It’s not a feature, but the Sublime Pearl Coat green paint on the 2015 Dodge Challenger is one of the most eye-grabbing colors laid onto any new car shell. The retina-burning green is like a bug zapper for gearheads. Be prepared to cite horsepower, torque and quarter-mile times to multiple onlookers, daily, while sitting at a stoplight, loading groceries or refueling.

6. 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Performance Data Recorder

Chances are an exhaust system or other feature on this list will only garner the attention of a few people at a time. With Chevrolet’s Performance Data Recorder, you can show off your shiny new Corvette’s track day or coastal cruise to the entire internet with an onboard high-definition video camera and telemetry-recording capabilities. Telemetry like vehicle speed, engine speed, gear speed, braking force and more can be overlaid on the video, recorded and then transferred to a computer for editing and sharing.

7. 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hot-Stone Massaging Seats

No one will be able to see it but you’re bound to turn a few heads when talking about the spa inside the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The available “hot stone” massaging seats use up to 14 individual heated air cushions in the seatback of the front and rear seats, mimicking a hot stone massage at the spa. Complete the spalike experience with a selectable cabin fragrance.

8. Launch Control (Various Models)

Launch control goes by many names, but it really should be called “Hold on to your butt” mode, because that’s what you say to warn passengers. Launch control is an exhilarating experience for both the driver and passenger in a supercar like the all-wheel-drive 545-horsepower 2015 Nissan GT-R with its neck-snapping start from 4,000 rpm that pins you to the back of your seat.

9. Chrysler SRT Performance Pages

Chrysler’s high-performance SRT models include a suite of digital acceleration timers to promote shenanigan show-off behavior — at the track, of course. Called Uconnect Performance Pages, these electronic displays have timers for zero-to-60 mph, elapsed timers for eighth- and-quarter-mile times and cornering g-force loads. In addition to simply displaying the times, the best time is saved as a reminder of the number you have to beat.

10. 2015 Jeep Wrangler Removable Doors, Roof

Not all show-off features have to break new ground. You can show the town you’re a fun person and like to have a good time by driving a new Jeep Wrangler with doors and roof removed just like in the classics. It’s a guaranteed way to have a good day and attract a few eyeballs.

When commuting to work in a boring 4-door sedan, who hasn’t passed (or been passed by) a slick roadster and day dreamed about how fun it’d be to pilot such a car.

To help spur such fantasies, the esteemed automotive magazine Motor Trend identifies the “Best Driver’s Car,” a method of analyzing new sports cars that best deliver a balance of useable performance, accessible handling, and driver-friendly design.

Now Mobil 1 and Motor Trend, are partnering to give fans a chance to live that work commute fantasy in Motor Trend’s annual Best Driver’s Car competition. Five lucky fans will get a unique behind-the-scenes invitation to Motor Trend’s high-stakes, high-octane experience of a lifetime. The winners will not only get the chance to ride shotgun next to pro racer Randy Probst as he pushes each car to their limit in an all-out hot lap at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, but they will also be given the chance to test drive these high performance supercars through Monterey’s best roads. Fans can visit www.BestDriversCarExperience.com to enter.

Last year’s winners got the chance to get behind-the-wheel of some of the greatest sports cars you can buy in America. These vehicles included:

·         SRT Viper

·         Bentley Continental GT Speed Le Mans Edition

·         Aston Martin Vanquish

·         Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series

·         Audi R8 V10+

·         Jaguar F-Type V-8 S

·         Porsche Cayman S

·         Nissan GT-R Track Edition

·         Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S Model

·         BMW M6

·         Ford Focus ST

·         Porsche 911 Carrera 4S

Lexus unveiled its striking new production-ready RC coupe, scheduled for launch in 2014, at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. The RC raises Lexus’ profile with a broader audience, injecting emotional appeal into the Lexus DNA which has become well known for building quality, refinement and reliability.

“Our focus is to strengthen the brand’s emotional appeal through our products and RC is another demonstration of this focus,” said Mark Templin, Lexus International executive vice president. “The emotional attachment of a coupe is found in its purity of design and its engaging driving experience, and with RC the engineers have achieved the balance.”

“We developed RC to deliver extra response that exhilarates rather than overwhelms drivers, in keeping with the true spirit of Japanese hospitality, or omotenashi.,” noted Junichi Furuyama, RC and IS chief engineer.

RC is part of a ride and handling revolution at Lexus, which started with GS mid-size luxury sedan and continued with the new IS sport sedan. The RC is a stand-alone model, rather than a two-door derivative of a sedan. Based on the GS platform, the coupe differs in all dimensions from the GS and IS lines.

The aggressively styled coupe will be available with two powertrains:3.5-liter V6 teamed with an eight-speed sequential transmission and 2.5-liter Lexus Hybrid Drive system.

Design Exterior
The RC has been infused with deeply contoured lines, integrating the widest and lowest application yet of the Lexus spindle grille. It is unique in the Lexus range – 1.2-inches wider, 1.4-inches lower and 2.8-inches shorter in wheelbase than the new IS sedan, providing a road stance that emphasizes the attraction of a luxury two-door vehicle.

The unique headlamp design adopts the symbolic Lexus L-shaped motif front and rear. There are two choices of aluminum wheels – a deeply sculpted 10-spoke 19-inch and a muscular five-spoke 18-inch.

A new red exterior paint color is made brighter and shows more contrast thanks to a new painting process.

Design Interior
Highly acclaimed sports concept vehicles have greatly influenced the RC interior, making maximum use of contrasting colors, materials and lighting.

A purpose-built Lexus-first lighting package provides a great sense of occasion, with illumination that reflects upwards, rather than downwards, to envelop the cabin. High contrast interior colors emphasize design lines and accentuate the elegant cabin. Genuine shimamoku wood highlights – the result of an intense, layered wood production technique refined by Lexus – are used to emphasize the surrounding trim.

The driver’s cockpit is divided into operational and display zones. The upper zone houses the instrument panel and a seven-inch navigation screen while a layered center console integrates a new Lexus-first Remote Touch Interface.

The seats utilize an integrated foaming construction method, much like the molding of racing seats, to ensure optimum occupant comfort and support which is important in a sport coupe.

Driving Dynamics
The RC’s strong and purpose-built chassis is the latest evolution of Lexus’ objective to achieve a world class driving experience, epitomized by the improved performance of both the GS and IS lines.

Extra thick underbody rocker panels greatly increase the two-door’s rigidity to support driving performance. New manufacturing techniques pioneered in the LS and IS models, including the use of body adhesives, have strengthened the chassis.

Aerodynamic aids, especially on the underbody, contribute to the handling package.

RC uses double wishbone front suspension and multi-link suspension at the rear.

Powertrains
The dual injection 3.5-liter V6 gas engine produces maximum power of 314 hp at 6,400 rpm, and peak torque of 280 lb.-ft. at4,800 rpm.

An eight-speed Sport Direct Shift with paddle shift transmission adapted from the ISF performance sedan optimizes power delivery and fuel economy. In manual (M) mode full torque converter lock up from second to eighth gears allows for down changes in just 0.2 seconds.

The hybrid variant – the first Lexus hybrid coupe – uses a dual-injected 2.5-liter four cylinder engine with a 105kW electric motor driven through an electronic continuously variable transmission with six step gears in a sequential shift-matic feature.

The RC coupe will be offered in rear wheel drive and all-weather drive (AWD), however availability will vary by market.

The sound generated by the engine has been tuned to ensure it delivers a stirring exhaust note under spirited driving conditions.

Advanced Technology
The RC offers several advanced technology features including an updated Spot Monitor and new Remote Touch Interface (RTI).

RC is the first Lexus to adopt the revised Blind Spot Monitor system which detects vehicles that are approaching from behind at a higher speed and from a greater distance than is covered by the current system.

The innovative touch-sensitive Lexus Remote Touch Interface for audio and navigation systems is particularly important in a coupe in which tactile reaction is a desirable part of the driving experience.

LAS VEGAS- Over the past 24 years Lexus has built their reputation on luxury and dependability. They’re no slouch on the innovation front either, introducing the luxury marketplace to aftermarket customization and leading its class in hybrid technology. They make comfortable, safe, reliable cars. Up until recently they’ve come up short against their competitors in the sports category. Up until they started borrowing elements from their LFA supercar that is.

With the introduction of the Lexus IS F in 2006, the automaker sought to confront that public perception head on. These efforts were on full display in the hot desert wind at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where MANjr joined a few dozen other media outlets for a thrilling track day in all of the 2014 Lexus F series offerings.

Prepare yourselves for some serious alphanumerics here.

We drove and raced the F SPORT models of the IS 350 AWD and RWD, the IS 250, the CT 200h, the GS 350, the LS 460 and we did it with class. Every few turns around the track I’d get out and switch cars. The sweet stench of burning rubber filled the nose while fighter jets from nearby Nellis Air Force Base danced overhead. Truly a Goose, Maverick and Iceman kind of day filled with speed, desert mountain vistas and displays of our military might. We were missing only a hot dog, a slice of apple pie and oh yea, an American car.

By missing of course, I mean not really missing at all. The new Lexus F Series cars roar and screech and slide and glide like any good sports car should. What they do differently than many sports minded sedans is drive away from the track quietly and respectfully, holding you tightly in bolstered seats all while minding the standards of decency and tact we expect from our luxury cars.

They do this primarily with one of my favorite features on any car, the dial they refer to as “Drive Mode Select”. Take one drive around the track… err your neighborhood with the knob turned to “Normal”. Go ahead, we’ll wait.

The car handles fine. Smooth, mellow drive. Nice soft suspension, responsible turning and acceleration. Gentle turns that make your mother in law nod silently as she judges your fitness for fatherhood.

Now switch your IS 350 F Series to S+. Drop that lovely woman off with a responsible party and (safely) roar onto the freeway. Accelerate to speed and find yourself an open road. Feel the oversteer and body roll all but disappear. Feel the RPM’s stay high between gears while the weight of the car shifts seamlessly from front to back as you (safely!!) carve that canyon road.

The car literally changes in the flip of a switch. What Lexus has done with their F Series is recognize that today’s luxury driver is a long way from the smooth boring rides of their forefathers. Our inevitable slide towards practicality is underway but sometimes you just want turn the corner and feel some power and strength in your hands. The IS 350 RWD F Series achieves this middle ground without coming off moderate or average. They’ve made a car that somehow still finds itself compared to the BMW 335i and Cadillac ATS4 . To me, it can go up a class and stand toe to toe with the BMW M3 and the Audi S4.

Ok at this point you’re looking for my Lexus name tag and wondering when I’m going to tell you we can get you in this car today. Well here are some of the cons… The engine is a tad underpowered. A turbo in the high end F Series would be a revelation. Another couple dozen horsepower and a little weight reduction would serve it well in the performance categories it’s striving to dominate.

Also, when discussing the European dominated sports sedan market, the lack of an available manual transmission stands out. At this point, with robust American sales numbers and an over 50% F Series purchase rate, Lexus may not even care too much for the approval of the sometimes snooty European luxury customer. It’d make a great viral campaign, blindfolding BMW and Audi enthusiasts and turning them into fans of the <gasp> Japanese product. On second thought maybe blind test drives aren’t such a great idea. I’ll leave the marketing up to the pros.

End of the day, Lexus hit it’s mark with the 2014 F Series line. The cars have strength and style, they can be driven smoothly or enthusiastically in the flip of a switch. Don’t want to drop all the extra coin but want some of the fun? Add F SPORT components ala carte, at home or at the dealership. They’ll even cover parts (and labor done) under a manufacturer warranty.

Smart.

Here are the numbers you want to know

IS 350 RWD F SPORT

3.5 L V6 engine

306 Horsepower

8 Speed Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters

19/28 MPG

0-60 in 5.6

$43,000 – $61,000

HOLLYWOOD, CA- Though I’ve observed the Scion brand for years I’ve enjoyed very limited interactions with the cars themselves. This all changed last week on assignment for MANjr at the luxurious W Hotel in Hollywood, CA. Members of mainstream auto and lifestyle media descended upon Toyota’s Scion Experience to learn about and drive the 2014 versions of the tC, xB, xD, iQ and the sporty FR-S.

Scion gives their customers exactly what they want. The “Pure Price” philosophy gives the buyer one price for each model. There is no bundling of features, no trim levels, no interior packages. One car, one price. No haggling, no sneaky sales techniques. Which is not to say that the Scion cars are homogenous in any way. Whether online or at the dealership each individual buyer can tailor their new car to exactly the features and specs they want and can afford. The dozens of options available have the potential for countless variations and customization, all done in a simple, straight forward and accessible way.

If only ordering cable was as satisfying of an experience.

The ever changing nature of Scion’s buyers make them very nimble in their marketing. What was once a brand focused on hip hop and graffiti evolved quickly with it’s customers to adopt dub step and retail art. Authentic relationships have been forged with young artists, producers, clothing and shoe designers to continue to not only reinforce the brand’s place in the youth marketplace but to also learn from and adapt to the shifting economics and desires of Generation Y. Flash has been replaced with practical. Transporting people has become transporting things, premium sound systems become standard, fuel economy becomes paramount. Though the Scion brand is proudly associated with the boxy xB, they go beyond the square with these three models in 2014.

2014 tC

The best selling car in the Scion flock, this sporty coupe comes loaded with features and drives great. You sit low to the ground and feel wider than you are thanks to numerous design accents. The steering wheel fits around you, bolstered seats hold you in tight. Like all Scions, it comes with a banging sound system with bluetooth and aux input standard. The tC has tight handling and rides smoothly. It accelerates quickly and efficiently to the top end of city driving and does it without jerking you forward and back as the engine shifts up and down. At about $20,000 you get a lot of new car for your buck, with Kelley Blue Book’s top 10 resale value, you retain that buck over the life of the car. Check out some of these standard features

• Panoramic Moon Roof
• 18” Alloy Wheels
• 8 Speaker 300 Watt Sound System with 6.1” Touchscreen Display
• 2.5 L 4 cylinder engine
• 172 HP
• 31 highway MPG
• $19,965 MSRP or $189/MO 36 month lease

2014 iQ

If we’re giving out awards for the launch, most surprising would have to go to the little Scion iQ. This diminutive car is so small you can fit two in one standard parking space and do u-turns on residential streets. Parallel parking is so simple it feels almost foreign. Here’s the surprising part. This car, on the inside, doesn’t feel tiny at all. It has a reasonable amount of legroom, decent headroom and an acceptable amount of cabin space for a driver and his passenger. The little engine showed some spunk at city speeds and navigating through Hollywood and Koreatown’s congested streets made for a simple and fun drive.

• 6 speaker 160 Watt Sound System with 6.1” touchscreen display
• 37 combined MPG (best non hybrid fuel economy)
• 50/50 split fold rear seats
• 2 Year, 25,000 mile free maintenance program
• 11 Airbags, including an industry first rear window air bag
• $16,420 MSRP or $139/MO 36 month lease

2014 FR-S

Here’s the car everyone’s asking about. The FR-S represents the culmination of a partnership with Subaru to design and engineer a front engine, rear wheel drive sports car for both brands. This car could quickly become a cult classic. Front engine rear wheel drive cars make great track cars for drifting enthusiasts and Scion knows it. Knows it so well in fact that one of the demonstrations made sure to mention that 4 racing tires could be fit in the back with the seats folded flat. Shifting and gear management was made easy thanks to the engine’s growling internal sound creator. The car has some fire in it’s belly for sure, the low center of gravity and tuned suspension gave it great handling in and out of the winding roads of the Hollywood Hills. The car has a good push off the line and gets up to speed quickly and efficiently. Stay tuned for more on the FR-S, we’ve put in a request with Scion for more time with this little beauty.

• 2.0L 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC VVT-i D4S injection boxer engine
• 200HP at the top end of 7,000 RPM / 151 FT. LBS of Torque at 6400 RPM
• Macpherson Strut front/ Double wishbone rear suspension
• 8 Speaker, 300 Watt sound system with 6.1” touchscreen display
• $25,255 MSRP or $293/MO 36 month lease