- New Lexus UX info?
- Toyota and Mazda?
- Are the brakes on the 2018 MBZ GLC AMG 63 any good?
This first question comes from a viewer who wants to know what’s going on with the Lexus UX crossover.
Q:Hi Nathan; I would like to know if you hear anything on the future of the LEXUS UX, about the production?
Thank You
M Richards
A: Howdy M!
The upcoming Lexus UX competes with the the Audi Q3, the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class, and the BMW X1. It will slot under the Lexus NX. It looks like it will share its platform and some components with the Toyota CH-R.
Here’s what we know:
- It’s official – the Lexus UX is heading to production.
- There will be a hybrid available, Lexus applied for the UX 250 and UX 250h trademarks.
- This will be the entry model as the Lexus CT-200h is ending production soon.
- Rumor has it that there will be more information (and, possibly, a reveal) at the 2017 Los Angeles International Auto Show
That’s about all I got. Hopefully, Lexus will leak some additional details soon.
Cheers!
N
This next question comes from a fan who wants our opinion regarding the collaborations between Mazda and Toyota.
Q: TFLCar, I had a follow-on question regarding the Mazda & Toyota collaboration.
It’s known that Mazda has been working on increasing the efficiency of the internal combustion engine instead of creating a hybrid. With the latest iteration of the Camry (the 2018 version) reportedly by Toyota the efficiency has drastically increased on both gasoline motors. (Approaching 40% efficient)
Does TFL think the recent Toyota gains have to do with utilizing Mazda’s SKYACTIV approach/technology, exhaust gas plumbing, etc. etc?? I think it is but wanted your opinion.
What are your thoughts on the location of the new manufacturing plant for the Mazda & Toyota tie-up? What about products? I know the next generation Corolla was mentioned as one for Toyota, and some type of SUV/CUV for Mazda (possibly a hybrid as well).
Thanks in advance…and keep up those awesome videos! I’ve been a fan for years, since it was just Roman and Nathan alone….and the occasion mad Russian mentioning.
🙂
Regards,
Aaron T.
A: Hi Aaron!
I think that, like any competitive company, Toyota uses any advantage they can gain by scrutinizing things they admire. The SKYACTIVE powerplant is a marvel, so – yes – I think Toyota is keen to use some of that tech. I hear that their collaboration is much more serious than their partnership with automakers like Subaru – which produced very little. Mazda and Toyota look to be producing several vehicles for worldwide distribution.
You’re right, it looks like the next Toyota Corolla could be a Mazda.
The one thing I can’t seem to get an answer about is if Mazda will sell a vehicle based on a Toyota foundation.
Thanks for the email!
N
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The last question comes from a viewer who is wondering if the breaks on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG 63 are any good.
Q:Nathan:I am interested in a 2018 GLC AMG 63.
However I understand that the life of the brakes on AMG vehicles are not very good. What is your take on this?
Richard P
A: Hi Richard,
So far, the only consistent complaint I have seen regarding the regular Mercedes-Benz GLC and the GLC AMG is brake squeal. While that’s annoying, there’s nothing to indicate that the durability or capability of the brakes are in question. I do recommend looking at forums before you buy and see if they found a way to address the squealing issue.
Sorry, that’s all I got.
Hope that helps a bit.
N
Speaking of fast vehicles…
Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.
From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.
Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com.
