How Would You Spec Your 2020 Land Rover Defender?

September 11, 2019

The four-door Defender 110 is available first, while the shorter Defender 90 (shown above) is coming in a few months. [Photo: Land Rover]

The 2020 Land Rover Defender configurator is live right now.
Prices for the Defender 110 start from $49,900.
The Defender 90 is not currently available in the configurator.
The Defender 110 X is the most expensive version, starting at $80,900.

We’ve waited for years, and Land Rover has finally indulged our feverish demands with a brand new Defender. Weirdly, despite the fact the company just revealed the new model in Frankfurt earlier this week, the online configurator is already live. We were expecting a bit of a wait to have full pricing details on all the available models, packages and options, but you can actually build your very own 2020 Land Rover Defender here and now.

So, what are we waiting for? I’d like to get an idea of how much my dream Defender would cost. Let us know how you’d spec your Defender in the comments below!

Quick note: Accessory prices were accurate as of September 11, 2019. Land Rover may change prices on their configurator, and dealers may sell accessories at varying prices depending on availability.

Models

Right now, only the four-door Defender 110 is available in the online configurator. There are three models to choose from: The standard Defender 110, the one-model-year First Edition, or the top-end Defender 110 X. Each gets more expensive as you head up the features list, with the top-end X trim topping out around $95,000 — and that’s before you get to accessories.

And yet, you still have to pay $300 extra for features like satellite radio. Seriously, Land Rover? They’re by no means the only automaker that charges you extra for satellite radio, but if I’m spending nearly $100,000 on a car, I’d like to have that thrown in. Make it an at-cost option on the base model sure, but why can’t you throw it in here?

If you want to tow with your Defender, and it does tow a respectable 8,200 pounds, you’ll need the $895 Towing Pack ($1,630 on the base Defender 110). Things like a heated windshield, heated washer jets, and a heated steering wheel come as part of the $700 Cold Climate Pack on all models.

While the 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 X offers things like an available automatic locking rear differential and the Terrain Response 2 system, and All Terrain Progress Control, it’s way too expensive for my blood.

How I’d spec my Defender

The base Defender 110 is where most people will likely start, including me. That $49,900 price tag is not too tough to swallow, but there are a few caveats to consider. If that is too expensive for your blood, the two-door Defender 90 should be along shortly, and should carry a smaller price tag.

First, that price is for the P300 model with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It puts out 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It can get the Defender from 0-60 in 7.7 seconds, according to Land Rover, and can hurl the Defender up to an 119 mph top speed. The P400 is a much more attractive option for power, offering up 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. But here’s the rub: The more powerful version starts at $62,250. In other words, just going for the upgraded engine will set you back $12,350 over the P300 model.

On that basis, I would go for the standard Defender 110 P300. It offers enough power to get around in every day traffic and it will probably offer better fuel economy than the inline-six (official economy figures aren’t out yet, so I could be wrong). The Defender is not a speed machine even with the more powerful engine, though I concede the extra torque may help off-road.

Going for the cheapest option

Among the base Defender P300 models, I’d go for the standard Defender 110. The S trim offers few upgrades on the surface from the base model, and nothing I couldn’t live without. I feel the 18-inch steel wheels actually fit the spirit of the old Defender more than going with huge, glossy alloys.

Explorer Pack
Adventure Pack
Country Pack
Urban Pack

The “Packs”

No matter which Defender you get, you have the option of four accessory packs. There’s the most expensive Explorer Pack, followed by the Adventure Pack, Country Pack and Urban Pack. Each offers a different set of equipment depending on how extreme you want to go on the overlanding – city slicker spectrum. The pack prices decrease from the Explorer Pack and add fewer accessories along the way. Here’s what the packs cost on the base Defender, along with some corresponding photos shown above.

Explorer Pack (Fuji White): $4,286.55
- Adds: Front & rear “classic” mudflaps; matte black hood decal; spare wheel cover; wheel arch protection; raised rear intake; Expedition roof rack; side-mounted gear carrier
Adventure Pack (Tasman Blue): $2,844.08
- Adds: Front & rear mudflaps, spare wheel cover, bright rear scuff plate; portable rinse system; integrated air compressor; side-mounted gear carrier; seat backpack (fitted to second row seat)
Country Pack (Pangea Green): $1,899.73
- Adds: Front & rear “classic” mudflaps; full-height cargo partition; portable rinse system; bright rear scuff plate; wheel arch protection
Urban Pack (Santorini Black): $637.07
- Adds: Bright rear scuff plate, spare wheel cover, bright metal pedals

Mind you, since these are accessory packs, you can go the à la carte route and just pick the options you really want.

Personal choices

The Explorer Pack definitely looks the coolest, but it also adds more than $4,000 to the price. Personally, I’d choose the Adventure Pack, since it adds an integrated air compressor and a portable rinsing system, as well as the gear carrier. That adds just over $2,800 to the base price, which is an easier pill to swallow.

Fuji White is the only no-cost color, at least on the base Defender 110. Any other color costs an additional $710. I’m going with Pangea Green, since it’s one of the more traditional looking colors for the Defender. If you’re not keen on the chrome (which I’m not), a $600 Black Exterior Pack gives you a matte black look instead.

Again, steel 18-inch wheels come standard on the base 110, but you can get a wide array of wheels at extra cost. I’m skipping that option (I can always fit fancier wheels later, if I want). All-season tires come standard, but Land Rover does offer off-road tires for $350 more. It looks like they are Goodyear Wrangler tires from what we’ve seen so far, so I will spring for those. However, it’s worth noting they are part of a $1,345 Off-Road Pack as well. Finally, you can choose a black or white contrast roof as an $870 option. It looks cool, but I’m sticking with the body-colored roof to keep the price down.

Seating and trim

The 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 does come with three seating options. A standard two-row, five-passenger setup is standard. A six-seat option with the front jump seat costs $900 more. A three-row configuration (2-3-2) costs $1,200 more. I don’t have kids and I’d prefer the center console up front, so I’m sticking with the five-seat setup for my Defender.

You can have Natural Smoked Dark Oak or Rough-cut Walnut interior trim for $600 extra, if you want. I don’t mind the somewhat industrial look of the standard trim, so I’ll skip that option. Even in the base Defender, you get a leather-wrapped steering wheel, so you don’t have to worry about an extra cost there.

Even more packs!

After picking your accessory packs, paint color, wheels and interior trim, you get to a frankly bewildering range of option packs. This is where you can customize your base Defender to have some options from the higher trim levels without paying through the nose. I won’t list them all here, but you can see more about it on the configurator page.

Of all the options here, I’d spring for the $1,345 Off-Road pack, which adds a domestic plug socket, an electronic active differential with brake-based torque vectoring, and off-road tires. I’d also spent $650 on the tow hitch receiver as well as $500 on the “Intrusion sensor”, which adds some degree of protection against my Defender getting stolen.

Finally, there are all the accessories, of which there is a ton. I wouldn’t go for any of that, since you can usually get similar aftermarket accessories much cheaper.

My Defender

The 2020 Land Rover Defender 110 I ended up with is fairly basic, but it also doesn’t cost over $90,000. Including destination, my specced out Defender came in at $57,574.08, which isn’t too far off the starting price.

Base MSRP: $49,900.00
Options:
- Adventure Pack: $2,844.08
- Pangea Green paint: $710.00
- Black Exterior pack: $600.00
- Off-Road pack: $1,345.00
- Tow hitch receiver: $650.00
- Intrusion sensor: $500.00
Destination charge: $1,025.00
Final price: $57,574.08

See more about the 2020 Land Rover Defender below, and let us know how you’d spec your Defender in the comments!

2020 Ford Escape Deep Dive: Here’s Everything You Need To Know!

Zach Butler

September 11, 2019

We get up close and personal with the new Ford Escape.

The 2020 Ford Escape launches into the most fiercely competitive crossover segment around. In fact, there are new fewer than twenty different models competing for your hard-earned cash in this segment, including titans like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue. While Ford’s offering has held its own in the segment, this new generation comprises a major redesign, aiming at making the car more competitive, and ideally more successful, against the current leaders. Ford brought TFL’s Roman Mica out to Louisville, Kentucky to get a closer look at what’s changed, from the design to the engineering.

Powertrains

One of the most significant changes to the 2020 Ford Escape lies with its powertrains. At the entry-level end of the spectrum, there is a 1.5-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine. Available on S, SE and SEL models, the base engine makes a respectable 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque on 87-octane fuel. On SEL and Titanium models, a larger 2.0-liter four-cylinder is available. The bigger engine manages 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, according to Ford’s technical spec sheet. Both standard gasoline models come mated to an eight-speed transmission.

The Escape Hybrid model also returns for 2020, marking its first appearance since the Escape emerged as one of the first hybrid crossovers back for the 2005 model year. Now, there are two versions — a standard hybrid model with a targeted 198 horsepower, and a plug-in hybrid with 209 horsepower. Both mate up to an electronic CVT, while the plug-in Escape Hybrid aims for over 30 miles of all-electric range.

Space

One of the drawbacks to the previous generation Escape was its space, or rather the lack of it. As other automakers redesigned their models, the Escape’s interior became a bit cramped by comparison. Now, there are more clever engineering solutions at play, particularly to bolster rear-seat leg room. With the seats slid back, rear passengers get a maximum of 40.7 inches of rear legroom. The standard Escape’s legroom is now best-in-class, beating out the RAV4 and Rogue by nearly three inches and just edging out the CR-V by 0.4 inches. It’s worth noting that space also improves on the old Escape’s rear legroom by 3.4 inches.

The Escape Hybrid model does lose some rear legroom, managing 38.9 inches.

While the 2020 Ford Escape does ride on a slightly longer wheelbase, it actually loses a marginal amount of front legroom. Now, you get 42.4 inches, whereas the old model provided 43.1. Ford did redesign the Escape’s interior, however, focusing more on creating an open cabin than gearing controls toward the driver. That helps the car feel less cramped, as does the increased hip and shoulder room.

Technology

Whether you buy a front or all-wheel drive 2020 Ford Escape, you have the option of five available drive models. Pushing a button changes the driving dynamics, from the Normal setting through Eco, Sport, Slippery and Deep Snow/Sand.

Standard technology in the 2020 Ford Escape includes the Ford Co-Pilot 360 system. That includes automatic high-beams, Ford’s Blind Spot Information System, Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking, and an auto brake hold and hill start assist. Available safety tech goes further, to include Active Park Assist, Evasive Steering Assist and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering.

At the center of the 2020 Ford Escape, the shifter has been redesigned to a dial from a standard lever. That frees up more space, but also makes the infotainment system more prevalent. Standard S models only get a 4.2-inch LCD display, while SE and higher models get an 8.0-inch display. A 12.1-inch digital instrument cluster comes on the SE Sport Hybrid and Titanium trims.

Pricing and availability

The 2020 Ford Escape will go on sale near the end of September 2019, with prices starting from $24,885. That’s before destination charges for the base S trim with the 1.5-liter engine. Moving up to the SE will set you back $27,095. The SEL starts out at $29,255 while the Titanium starts at $33,400. If you want to get into the 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid, that starts with the SE Sport Hybrid at $28,255.

Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more 2020 Ford Escape news, views and real-world reviews coming soon!

The BMW 4 Concept Dials The Grille Up To Eleven

Zach Butler

September 10, 2019

This will, in some form, be the new 4 Series.

BMW brought their latest concept, dubbed the BMW Concept 4, to this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. With it, they previewed the design for the upcoming 4 Series, and pushed the limits of just how much grille you can shove onto the front end of a car. For those who still haven’t picked their jaws up off the floor, rest assured the actual production model’s grille (probably) won’t look anything close to this concept. BMW said in its release Tuesday that the Concept 4 offers “a look ahead at the expressive face of the 4 Series range.” Well, it certainly is expressive.

Naturally, you can’t help but notice the large kidney grille that dominates the front end. According to BMW, that “vertically oriented grille fits seamlessly into both the proportions of the front end and BMW’s illustrious past.” The company references its past iconic vehicles, like the older BMW 328 and the 3.0 CSi.

Around back, the styling is much more restrained, echoing similar design from the G20 BMW 3 Series and the company’s redesigned crossovers. The large, rectangular pipes and diffuser allude to the upcoming M4’s performance credentials. Although, the production model may sport more aerodynamic kit, including more skirts and spoilers.

Possible powertrains

No technical information is available with the BMW Concept 4, so we just have an idea of what it looks like. Odds are the new BMW 4 Series and M4 will mirror other models in BMW’s lineup like the 3 Series. For instance, we’ll likely see a 255 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder at the low end, followed up by a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six. The new BMW X3M and X4M produce up to 503 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. It’s not a huge leap to assume similar power band across the new 4 Series range.

Check out more of the new BMW 3 Series sedan below:

Mercedes-Benz EQS Concept Debuts In Frankfurt: The All-Electric S-Class

Zach Butler

September 10, 2019

Are the days of the conventional S-Class numbered?

For decades, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has set the standard for the luxury brand’s lineup. Not only has it been the last word for the brand’s technical prowess, but it’s also been a showcase for some enormous, powerful engines over the decades. But times are changing, and electric cars are a growing force among the automotive landscape. Hot on the heels of Mercedes’ EQC crossover concept, now we have this: the predictably named EQS concept sedan.

Now, the brand’s “EQ” family lineup extends just beyond one vehicle. Mind you, this is more a show car carving the path forward for the sedan side of Mercedes’ electric lineup, rather than a near-production-ready model. The company did release some technical information for the car, showing its range, performance and charging capability. According to their release, the EQS should manage up to 435 miles on a charge using the WLTP cycle. EPA figures will likely come in a bit lower than that, but anywhere around 375 miles puts it right in the ballpark of the Tesla Model S.

Performance is good, but not record-breaking

Even with lower-level S-Class models, modern owners expect some degree of performance. The EQS won’t disappoint there, thanks to its dual-motor setup. Its powertrain puts out approximately 469 horsepower and 569 lb-ft of torque, allowing a 0-60 sprint in less than 4.5 seconds, according to Mercedes. That performance puts it in the higher end of the standard S-Class lineup, near the V8-powered S560 4Matic, but not quite as fast as the AMG-tuned models. It’s quick, but I suspect Mercedes may leave some room for performance down the line. For the moment, the emphasis is on range out of its approximate 100 kWh battery pack.

While the EQS concept is clearly a test bed for an all-electric S-Class, the goal here is to extend the platform to other models among the brand’s lineup. According to the company’s statement: “With the Vision EQS technology platform, Mercedes-Benz is opting for a completely new, fully-variable battery-electric drive platform. This is in many respects scalable and usable on a cross-model basis: thanks to the modern modular system, the wheelbase and track, as well as all other system components, and especially the battery, are variable and therefore suitable for a wide range of different vehicle concepts.

Technology

Despite the powertrain bits that will likely make their way to production, Mercedes threw quite a bit of ludicrous design into the EQS show car. For instance, take the 229 individual three-pointed stars on the back that form a “lightbelt”, rather than just using conventional taillights. The interior is even more outlandish, with four futuristic bucket seats and a large flowing dashboard with bronze accents. Mercedes refers to it as a “deep and open spacial architecture” that provides a look at the brand’s future interiors.

In the center stack, although its tough to really call it a “stack” anymore with all that flowing design, rests a large curved screen showing the brand’s MBUX infotainment system. Other delightfully over-the-top touches include the 360-degree exterior lightbelt, matrix LED grille and massive 24-inch wheels.

In reality, this definitely is not the next Mercedes S-Class. However, it’s not unreasonable to assume something like the EQS will emerge within the next few years. As legacy automakers jump on the EV bandwagon to carbon neutralize, particularly as some cities and countries restrict combustion engines, this may well be near future of the brand’s luxury models, and even its performance AMG variants as well.

Check out more on the EQS and its EQC cousin below:

The 2020 Land Rover Defender Is Finally Here — These Are Official U.S. Specs, Including Price

Zach Butler

September 10, 2019

At long last, the Defender will return to the U.S. market.

It’s been years in the making, but now Land Rover has finally revealed official specs for the 2020 Land Rover Defender at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. While we did come across a South African magazine’s leak of the Defender’s specs right before the official reveal, there are a few key differences for the U.S. models. Particularly, one change comes down to the powertrain, as we will not get a diesel engine at launch. Land Rover also released pricing information, but has not yet announced official fuel economy specs. That will come at a later date.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender will go on sale in Spring 2020 with prices starting from $49,900 for the Defender 90, and rising up to $84,100 for the Defender X, the highest trim of the long wheelbase 110 model.

Powertrains

U.S. buyers will have two available powertrains at launch — both gasoline units. The smaller of the two, a 2.0-liter turbocharged Ingenium inline-four engine, comes badged as the P300 model. Its 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque propels the base and S trims of the 2020 Land Rover Defender, and comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s a similar unit to that found in other Jaguar Land Rover models, such as the Jaguar E-Pace and the Range Rover Evoque, among others.

The larger powertrain, badged P400, comes in the form of a new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. This mild hybrid unit manages 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, and comes with a 48-volt mild hybrid system that drives an electric supercharger to aid the conventional turbocharger. As with the smaller engine, the 3.0-liter inline-six also comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. In Defender 90 and 110 models, it also comes with a slightly lower 3.55 rear axle ratio, to the 2.0-liter’s 4.10.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender rides on what’s known internally at the D7X platform. It has a maximum towing capability of 8,201 pounds, the same as the equivalent Discovery, making it one of the more towing capable SUVs among its competition.

Technology and features

The 2020 Land Rover Defender shakes off its agricultural heritage in this new model, bringing more technology to the equation. The new model has permanent four-wheel drive, as well as a unibody construction to the old Defender’s body-on-frame setup. That may upset some purists, but that should mean a better handling car on the road, especially compared to the old SUVs humble roots. As with other Land Rover models, the new Defender also comes with Terrain Response with several drive modes as standard equipment. The Terrain Response 2 system, with adds an “Auto” function to the mix, is optional on Land Rover 110 models with the 3.0-liter engine.

Inside, the 2020 Land Rover Defender gets a suite of advanced driver assistance systems. Like its cousins, the Defender too gets a squad of 360-degree cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors to help the driver see the car’s placement on the trail and ford up to three feet of water. The Defender comes with up to 8.6 inches of ground clearance in its standard ride height. However, the fully independent air suspension allows drivers to lift the car up to a maximum 11.5 inches of ground clearance. That seriously helps approach (30.1 degrees), departure (40.0 degrees) and breakover (up to 31.0 degrees), putting the 2020 Land Rover Defender well ahead of the competition. The Defender 110 does suffer on breakover slightly at 28.0 degrees due to its longer wheelbase.

On top of all the other off-road technologies, Land Rover offers the Defender in several seating configurations. The short-wheelbase Defender 90 will have a six-passenger seating option. The 110, on the other hand, will seat passengers in a 5 (3+2), 6 (3+3) or 7 (2+3+2) configuration. The Defender comes in Standard, S, SE, HSE and Defender X trims.

The 2020 Land Rover Defender gets a thoroughly updated interior, featuring a new 10.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The new Defender also gets a fully digital instrument cluster, in keeping with its contemporaries across the Land Rover brand.

Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more Defender updates, including more news, views and real-world reviews!

No, I Totally Wouldn’t Sell My Soul For A 710 Horsepower Ferrari F8 Spider

Zach Butler

September 9, 2019

I wouldn’t get it in yellow either. No, definitely not.

It’s been some months since the Ferrari F8 Tributo revealed itself to the world in Geneva. Now, we can see the inevitable drop-top follow-up to the coupe model in this: the 710 horsepower Ferrari F8 Spider. It’s just as striking, just as powerful, but now with an entire planet’s worth of blue sky. I’d say, “Shut up and take my money!”, if indeed I had enough money to buy this. Coincidentally, Ferrari has not announced pricing yet, but we expect it to be more than the coupe’s $274,280 asking price.

Exactly how much is a soul worth — anyone know?

(Sort of) kidding aside, under the hood of the mid-engined Ferrari F8 Spider is a 3.9-liter turbocharged V8 engine. On top of the 710 horsepower, it also manages to send 568 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It shares the same 0-62 mph time as the F8 Tributo (2.9 seconds), as well as its 211 mph top speed. Push beyond the initial sprint though, and the convertible’s 154 pound weight disadvantage will start to show. On the flip side, though, you’ll be able to hear that V8 screaming at 8,000 rpm all the more clearly.

Under the skin, the Ferrari F8 Spider is more or less an evolution of the previous 488 Spider. There’s more clever aero tricks at play, like changing the positioning of the front radiators. The new ones are rearward-angled, which result in a 10 percent improvement in downforce, according to Ferrari.

Against the likes of the McLaren 720S Spider and Lamborghini Aventador Spyder, the Ferrari F8 Spider is right in the ball park on its performance. On looks, though, the F8 Spider looks stunning, and while the other two are also striking, this is still one remarkable piece of design.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments! Stay tuned for more updates from the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show happening this week.

2019 Lexus GS 350 F Sport Review: Is It Time For Lexus To Move On?

Nathan Adlen

September 9, 2019

An executive-class saloon

The 2019 Lexus GS 350 is on its fourth generation, and perhaps its last. Although, at this point, Lexus has not officially discontinued the model. When the Lexus GS debuted officially in 1993, it set out to take on its executive sedan competition from Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW with its own take on luxury, looks, and power with its rear-drive-biased powertrain. That formula remains the same in regards to the 2019 Lexus GS 350 F Sport.

Since its inception, the Lexus GS has remained true to its roots while still displaying performance innovation. In the past, Lexus has played with everything from hybrid to smoking V8s in various GS sedans over the years. Currently, you can even get a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and, like our test vehicle, all-wheel drive. Still, at just over $54,000 to start, is this 2019 Lexus GS 350 F Sport past its prime, or still able to take on its rivals?

The powertrain

A 311 horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 rests under the hood, also making 280 lb-ft of torque. While it’s no barn-burner, it can move the Lexus GS from 0 to 60 mph in around seven seconds, according to Lexus. An eight-speed transmission is available on rear-wheel drive GS models, but this all-wheel drive version comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The AWD system can shift up to 50-percent of the torque to the front wheels when needed via an electronically controlled center differential. Normally, it works a 30/70 torque split and it works both on dry pavement and in low traction situations. The system is seamless and very effective, but it does add a bit to the GS’s overall weight and drag.

The 3,891 lbs 2019 Lexus GS 350 F Sport AWD gets 21 mpg combined.

The Lexus sports a similar design to the company’s other sedans. Perhaps too similar?

What you get in the F Sport package:

When you opt for the F sport model, you get a wide range of extra equipment.

16-way power adjustable driver’s seat (includes power side bolsters, thigh support, four-way lumbar)
19-inch staggered width split five-spoke wheels with machined finish; summer tires for RWD, single width with all-season tires for AWD
F SPORT badging (side and rear)
F SPORT tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with Sport S+ mode
Larger front brakes with hi-friction pads (RWD only)
Rear lip spoiler
F SPORT interior including: striated aluminum trim, F SPORT aluminum pedals and door scuff plates, unique perforated leather trim (Rioja Red, Flaxen or Black) and black headliner
F SPORT front bumper and rear lower valence; F SPORT mesh front grille inserts
Naguri aluminum trim
Variable Gear Ratio Steering (GS 350 RWD only)
LFA-inspired instrumentation

The Exterior

For a long time, the Lexus GS was one of the most distinctive sedans Lexus had in its fleet. Now, it’s overwrought spindle grill makes it look very similar to the Lexus ES, IS, LS…. you get the point. Fortunately, from the side, it still has that macho GS profile.

It also has elegant looking 19-in split-five-spoke alloy wheels with 235/40R19 all-season tires. It’s part of the F Sport package, as are the badges and unique trim bits. With the AWD system, the front end seems like it would look a bit better a half-inch lower.

The Interior

This is where Lexus held back on updates. Sure, the Lexus GS has a luxurious, comfortable and sporty interior, but it’s terribly dated. From the lack of modern electronics (it doesn’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto), to its dated design. Hell, it still has a CD player. I know, Lexus is reluctant to remove old tech in deference to their elderly buyers. Still, even Roman Mica is finished with CDs.

It just seems that Lexus is passing on updating the GS’s interior for a specific reason.

2019 Lexus GS 350 F Sport: Performance

Fortunately, the 2019 Lexus GS 350 F Sport AWD is a great driver’s car. It is resolute and solid in all but the most intense corners. Its F Sport-tuned suspension is BMW 5-Series-like firm, but never harsh. On daily drives, it is more than agreeable while not being as squishy as the Lexus ES.

Steering feel is not all there, but the steering weight and precision is top notch. You have a damn good idea what those front wheels are doing all the time. Especially when pushed, it’s easy to figure out what the front end is doing.

Power could be better, but the sound the V6 makes isn’t too shabby. Yo only hear it come to life on full boil, but it’s pleasant and muscular. Still, if power and sound is what you want – the GS-F is the only way to go.

Brakes and emergency maneuvers are handled as if the car weighs 500 lbs less. It dips a bit if you hit the limit, but the GS recovers quickly and responds to rapid inputs athletically. If it had an extra 100 horsepower, the 2019 Lexus GS 350 F Sport AWD would be damn-near perfect.

Man, I hope they don’t completely kill the GS.

New Ford Patents Could Show New Details For The 2021 Ford Bronco, Including Its Removable Roof

Zach Butler

September 9, 2019

*[Photos: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office]*

Three new patents could flesh out details for the new Bronco.

Patent applications give us some insight on where an automaker may be heading, but the details aren’t always set in stone. Upon coming across these recently published documents, though, Motor1 could have spotted more details for the upcoming Ford Bronco SUV. The filings show details for a new grille design, removable roof and roof rack that could make its way to Ford’s long-awaited Bronco revival.

Of course, none of these patent applications say, “we are developing this system for the Bronco,” or any other model explicitly. Although with what we’ve seen so far and what the new Ford Bronco is competing against, it’s tough to argue these patents are meant for anything else. The removable roof panels are the most significant among the drawings here, showing Ford’s goal of an open-air driving experience. These drawings do also point toward the ability to remove the roof completely, as past drawings have also shown.

The second one is also interesting, as it shows a modular grille assembly. That in itself may not mean much, but the drawing does show a factory integrated winch. That would be a feather in Ford’s cap, since you can’t get a winch as a factory option on the Wrangler, or any other vehicle short of a heavy duty truck. Even for buyers who don’t get that option, an interchangeable grille opens the door for other aftermarket modifications. The last patent shows a removable roof rack, which may be an odd option depending on how it works with the removable roof panels.

As always, all or none of these patents could make their way into Ford’s final Bronco design. We’ll have to wait and see, and until then the rumors will continue to swirl. Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates!

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Models

How I’d spec my Defender

Going for the cheapest option

The “Packs”

Personal choices

Seating and trim

Even more packs!

My Defender

We get up close and personal with the new Ford Escape.

Powertrains

Space

Technology

Pricing and availability

This will, in some form, be the new 4 Series.

Possible powertrains

Are the days of the conventional S-Class numbered?

Performance is good, but not record-breaking

Technology

At long last, the Defender will return to the U.S. market.

Powertrains

Technology and features

I wouldn’t get it in yellow either. No, definitely not.

An executive-class saloon

The powertrain

What you get in the F Sport package:

The Exterior

The Interior

2019 Lexus GS 350 F Sport: Performance

Three new patents could flesh out details for the new Bronco.

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