FEBRUARY 17, 2016

(Lexus)
Lexus will unveil the LC500h - the hybrid version of its all-new LC luxury coupe - at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The LC 500h is equipped with Lexus’ next-generation hybrid powertrain, the Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System, "providing enhanced driving pleasure, more performance, and greater efficiency" according to the PR minions.

(Ford)
Ford has announced that its 350HP all-wheel-drive Focus RS will be the first car in North America to offer a winter tire and wheel option as a factory accessory. The Focus RS Winter Wheel & Tire Package includes Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 tires, 18-inch silver-painted wheels, tire pressure monitoring sensors, and center caps all fully mounted and balanced. And even better, the package is certified to Ford Performance standards. You just check the box and the package arrives at dealerships ready for installation.

(Jaguar images)
Jaguar will introduce the F-TYPE SVR at the Geneva Motor Show on March 1. Powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 that develops 575HP and 516-lb.ft. of torque, it accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and the Coupe a top speed of 200mph. It will be the fastest series production vehicle ever produced by Jaguar Cars. Developed by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations to be lighter, quicker, faster and more powerful than the already quick F-TYPE R while remaining tractable and useable day-to-day, the F-TYPE SVR is the first Jaguar to wear the SVR badge. Other stuff? The SVR is lighter by 55-lbs (25kg) compared to the 2017 F-TYPE R, and up to 110-lbs (50kg) lighter with options including the Carbon Ceramic Matric brake system, carbon fiber roof panel and carbon fiber pack. The SVR also features an enhanced aerodynamics package made up of a front bumper and splitter, flat underfloor, rear venturi and carbon fiber active rear spoiler. An Inconel Titanium exhaust system delivers an even more purposeful, harder-edged sound - and an additional 35-lbs (16kg) of weight saving. The SVR also has specific calibrations for the Quickshift transmission and the Electric Power-Assisted Steering, Adaptive Dynamics, Torque Vectoring, Dynamic Stability Control and All-Wheel Drive systems. The upgraded chassis features new dampers and anti-roll bars, wider tires, lightweight 20-inch forged wheels and new, stiffer rear knuckles.

The SVR has unique seats with Lozenge Quilt pattern, suedecloth-covered instrument binnacle and center console, an SVR steering wheel and anodized aluminum paddle shifters.

Customers can order their F-TYPE SVR now, ahead of its global auto show debut at Geneva on March 1. Prices? $125,950 for the Coupe and $128,800 for the Convertible. Deliveries will begin this Summer.

(Maserati images)
This is the Maserati Levante. That is all.

Check out the latest episode of The High-Octane Truth on AutoextremistTV below. -WG

Note that this week's episode is a two-parter...you can see Part 2, plus all episodes of AETV, here!