Photo courtesy of Lexus

It's lifted. It's blacked out. And it's ready to hit the trail (and beyond). Meet the Lexus J201 Concept, a LX 570-based concept car that's the result of a partnership between Expedition Overland and Lexus. It's basically the LX 570 on off-roading steroids.

The concept model takes its roots in the off-roading community, a community that is known more for their acquisition of the LX's little brother, the GX, than the LX itself.

The concept didn't happen upon its name by some random luck of the draw. It takes its moniker from the code for the Lexus LX platform: URJ201. That's the same platform the Toyota Land Cruiser uses, however, the LX is rarely thought of as being as capable as the Land Cruiser.

Lexus J201 Concept

Photo courtesy of Lexus


With the design of the J201, Lexus and Expedition Overland strived to make a model that is both tasteful and capable. The concept had to be "always on" and ready to take on terrain in a better way than the standard LX. It also needed to be human-focused.

At the front is a CBI off-road bumper, Warn Zeon 10-S winch, and a 30-inch Rigid Industries RDS SR-Series Pro light bar. The rig rides on 17-inch x 8-inch EVO Corse DakarZero wheels wrapped in General Grabber X3 tires. It has drilled front and rear rotors, Super Sport performance brake pads, and color-matched calipers from StopTech.

The drivetrain has been improved by the addition of a Magnuson supercharger that helps the SUV deliver 550 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque. It has front and rear performance differentials and ARB air lockers. A TJM Airtec Snorkel helps with air flow. There's also an ARB high performance twin on-board compressor that is mounted using a Slee Off-Road system.

CBI Offroad rock sliders and skid plates protect the underside of the J201, which includes an Icon Vehicle Dynamics upgraded suspension. With the new suspension, the LX 570 has received a 2-inch front lift and a 1-inch rear lift in Normal Mode. With four settings, the suspension can provide up to 4.8 inches of lift at the front and 4.1 inches in the rear.

On top os a Prinsu Design roof rack system and a 40-inch Rigid Industries SR Series Spot Midnight light bar.

The rear of the car features a CBI Offroad rear bumper system with a rear ladder, dual swing-outs, spare tire, and Baja Designs S2 Sport lighting. Sceptor 5-gallon water can complete the exterior enhancements.

On the roof console there's a new ARB Line accessory interface to digitally control lighting, air lockers, and the compressor, as well as monitor the status of the battery and angle of the model.

Goose Gear drawer models are in the cargo area an house the car's Warn Epic Recovery Kit. Zero Halliburton has provided Pursuit Aluminum travel cases.

The J201 Concept will be put to the test by defending Rebelle Rally champions, Rachelle Croft and Taylor Pawley of The X Elles as part of the 2020 Rebelle Rally.

Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

2021 Lexus LX 570 gets fresh Sport Package, new color options, Amazon Alexa compatibility

New Model News

The 2021 Lexus LX 570 will continue on as a beefy flagship for one more iteration at least, but with some changes for the new model year. Lexus has updated the available Sport Package, given the SUV a new paint job option, and added connectivity, and upgraded LX Inspiration Series offerings.

Lexus will continue to have the LX be powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 383 horsepower and 403 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, full-time four-wheel drive, and a Torsen limited-slip differential. It continues to be rated to tow up to 7,000 pounds.

2021 Lexus LX 570The model is still powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine.Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

The model rides on standard 20-inch split 10-spoke wheels, with 21-inch 10-spoke wheels offered as an option.

The LX will be offered with new color choices - a Nori Green Pearl paint job and Glazed Caramel interior. Available wood trim selections include Open-Pore Walnut, Linear Dark Mocha Wood, Linear Espresso Wood, and Dark Brown Walnut - none of which are new for 2021.

The 2021 LX gets Amazon Alexa compatibility, something that is making its way to most all Toyota and Lexus models. A rear-seat entertainment system featuring dual 11.6-inch screens is available, as is a 19-speaker, 450-watt Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound audio system.

2021 Lexus LX 570The SUV is a touch old school, but it has most of the modern infotainment amenities buyers want.Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

All LX 570s come equipped with Lexus Safety System + as well as blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, panoramic view monitor, multi-terrain monitor, and Intuitive Parking Assist.

The popular Sport Package, available only on the three-row version of the SUV, has been updated for 2021 to include 21-inch forged alloy wheels, an updated sport grille and front fascia, sport lower rear valence, and body color/chrome accent side mirrors. The interior of the models includes a black headliner and semi-aniline leather trimmed upholstery in Black, Cabernet, or Glazed Caramel.

2021 Lexus LX 570The interior of the LX has gotten more premium as its current generation has gone on.Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

The LX Inspiration Series is adding a level of sophistication to the model. It is available in a Black Onyx or Eminent White Pearl paint scheme. The exterior of the models features 21-inch black alloy wheels and center caps, a black grille with black chrome surround, black headlamps with smoked lenses, black fog lamps, black window accents, black roof rails, black taillamps with smoked lenses, black chrome garnish, black rear license plate garnish, black frame back door garnish, and black rear badges.

The interior of these models gets black semi-aniline leather trim with Rioja red accents, a black headliner, unique carpet floor and cargo mats, and unique key gloves.

2021 Lexus LX 570The Lexus Inspiration Series delivers black accents.Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

Only 500 Inspiration Series models will be produced - all of the three-row variety.

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Automotive Map is moving to Your Test Driver

New website

Big news! Automotive Map has moved to a new site and has changed its name to Your Test Driver. You'll notice the same format, writing style, and content on the new site. That's because Your Test Driver is run by Chris Teague, the former editor of Automotive Map. We hope to see you there for continued coverage of news, reviews, and features from around the automotive industry.

2023 Nissan Leaf pricing announced

Updated EV

Nissan is nearing the release of the Ariya, its first new EV in several years. Even so, the brand hasn't forgotten about its first mass-market EV, the Leaf. It was an early entrant in the space, and has been an efficient, affordable, commuter car for over a decade. The car got a mild facelift for 2023, with updated wheels and exterior styling accents. Today, Nissan announced pricing for the Leaf, which starts at just under $29,000.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf feels lively, despite middling power numbers.Nissan

The base Leaf comes with a 40-kWh battery capable of delivering a 149-mile range. Its 110-kW electric motor produces 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The Leaf SV Plus features a 60-kWh battery for a range of 212 miles. It comes with a 160-kW motor that makes 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Nissan backs all Leaf models with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

ProPilot Assist comes standard for the Leaf SV Plus, and brings a full suite of advanced driver aids that include adaptive cruise control, driver alertness features, and a surround-view monitor. All Leaf models get Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf SV Plus offers up to 212 miles of range.Nissan

The new Leaf starts at $28,895, which includes a $1,095 destination charge. The Leaf SV Plus starts at $36,895. The 2023 Nissan Leaf is on sale now, and may be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to receive a state tax credit or other incentives.

2022 Nissan Altima: Three things to know

Comfortable midsize sedan

The Nissan Altima may not get the attention or the praise that the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord get, but it's a solid entry in an ultra-competitive segment. It's also one of few options in its class with available all-wheel drive. We spent a week with the 2022 Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition with AWD and came away from the experience impressed. Here are three things to know about the car.

The 2022 Nissan Altima is a Good Value

With a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range and available all-wheel drive, it's hard to complain about value here. The Altima is still reasonably priced at the top end, where it maxes out at around $35,000 before options and fees. That's a great value for a spacious, comfortable car like the Altima, and with all-wheel drive it's a great all-weather commuter.

2022 Nissan AltimaNissan offers the Altima in several configurations.Nissan

2022 Altima Interior Space and Comfort are Generous

It's easy to ignore Nissan's Zero Gravity seats as another marketing buzzword, but they are legitimately comfortable and supportive in a way that not many others are. Available leather upholstery and contrast stitching give the interior an upscale feel, but even lower trims' cloth upholstery feels nice and works well from a visual standpoint. Up front, there's room for both passengers to stretch out, and the driver won't feel cramped on leg or headroom. Back-seat passengers get a similar treatment, as there's plenty of space for adults and kids. Parents will find an easy time loading and unloading car seats as well.

2023 Nissan AltimaThe Altima gets an update for 2023 with fresh styling and more tech.Nissan

The 2023 Nissan Altima Gets an Update

Nissan is refreshing the Altima for 2023 with a facelift, new tech, and better safety features. The new car will go on sale in the fall of 2022 and will come in several trims, including one with Nissan's truck VC-Turbo engine. The Altima's most noticeable update will be its front fascia, which is all-new for 2023. Nissan gives the car a fresh grille design that varies depending on the trim, and LED headlights will be standard. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and the Altima is available with all-wheel drive, ProPilot Assist, and more.