By Sue Mead
We have been testing an exciting cache of
all-new and upgraded 2018 models and
have selected a dozen just for you. From a
bold and brawny pickup to a mini-sized urban
runabout and a bit of everything in between, with
small and large SUVs and compact crossovers,
as well as a couple of sizzling performance models,
a dazzling four-door that will be sure to see
duty as a concierge livery and an earth-friendly
hybrid sedan. It is also important to us to choose a
cross-section of autos that are available in different
price categories. Now, it’s time for you to
go motoring and get your New Year On!
2018 Lexus LS500
The Lexus brand launched 28 years ago with its LS sedan
and set benchmarks for powertrain smoothness, ride quietness,
craftsmanship, attention to detail, dependability, and long-term
quality. Now, it’s repeating history with the all-new LS
flagship sedan. Developed from a completely blank CAD screen
design, the fifth-generation model will be available in base
LS earth-friendly hybrid 500h and high-performance F-Sport
trim levels when it goes on sale in February; pricing is expected
to start around $75,000.
What LATINA Style thinks: Lexus takes its styling seriously!
That impressive front grille isn’t just pretty to look at; its
Takumi modeler clicked for eight hours a day for six
months at a computer to program each of the points for its
more-than-5,000 surfaces. It’s performance art!
Autos
for Latinas
to Drive in
2018
2018 Lexus 500h
The earth-friendly version of the 2018 Lexus LS flagship
sedan is powered by a 295-horsepower Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter
V-6 gas engine paired with two electric motor generators that
boost output to 354 total horsepower; it offers acceleration from
0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds (in rear-drive). With a 22.2-gallon
fuel tank and estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg city, 33
mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined, the LS 500h has a range
of more than 600 miles, depending on driving conditions
and habits.
What LATINA Style thinks: This sleek and sporty sedan
defines luxurious comfort, right down to Shiatsu massage
seats with spot heaters that mimic a hot stone massage for all
four passengers and 3D Mark Levinson sound system. Think:
Boeing Dreamliner!
8 www.latinastyle.com LATINAStyle Vol. 23, No. 6, 2017