Listen to MacKenzie Richter, Lexus Product Marketing chat w/ Vaughn on 360 MAG Apple/Spotify podcast about 2023 Lexus RX HERE.
360 MAGAZINE had an intimate driving commitment at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara with one of the top-selling vehicles in the Lexus fleet. Although 2023 Lexus RX pricing was not announced, exterior colors, trim and powertrains were readily available for testing. After five generations, performance, style and innovation have intermingled in the luxury of the new age with this hot stepper. All in all, we strongly believe the RX F SPORT is the heavyweight candidate for this reboot.
Design
The silhouette of the RX has been redesigned with stylish and sporty lines. To many, at first glance, it is a lean and agile approach. Ready to pounce. Suitable with a grill brooch coupled with jewel headlamps and taillights. The cabin is also marked by embossed patterns on the door panels and headrests of top-of-the-range models. Race-inspired red bucket seats with bespoke like black side panels. Ambient lighting is also available in different models in a variety of color combinations.
Technology
14-inch infotainment screen effortlessly placed on the dashboard for easy use of the driver’s control. This season, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are wireless, making it more intuitive and fluid. Wireless charging stations are larger for the next generation of phablets, in particular the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and Z Fold4 flagships. Not forgetting, the inside has USB-C ports sprinkled throughout. Sure, you can head nod to Drake‘s Sticky with its optional Mark Levinson signature speaker set.
Performance
Larger calipers signify better braking. Rear wheel steering is a must-have, especially for parallel parking, snaking roads and u-turns. The ability to displace torque in different ratios also allows the riders to push outside of its previous capabilities. 21″ wheels in tandem with low profile Michelin tire add much needed traction for various terrains. Offered power plants are as follows: RX350 has a 2.5L 4-cylinder turbocharged pushing 275 HP; RX350h possess a 2.4L 4-cylinder with AWD as well as CVT produces 246 HP and RX500h F SPORT matches electric alongside of 2.4L turbocharged to produce 367 HP. Adaptive cruise controls, lane departure paired with civilian detection – excellent for the increase of low-stanched fat tire e-bikes in cities. Just because they have pedals, doesn’t mean they can’t excel beyond 50+ mph.
In short, the Lexus RX cocoon has become a magnificent butterfly with the RX500 F SPORT variant. It literally floats, moves easily within tight spaces, and is sure to cause a stir with transcultural youth. Lastly, a two-row, five-seater SUV with muscles and brains that can survive a hectic Gen Z household.
Over the span of just two singles, London-based, Bristol-born artist Willow Kayne has turbocharged the landscape of pop music within the UK. Her debut single “Two Seater” was a perfect introduction; a rabble-rousing ode to living life on your own terms that has been included on the soundtrack to FIFA 22, while her follow up “I Don’t Wanna Know” was a break-infused middle finger to online trolls that takes cues from her love of rave culture. Her high octane, postmodern touch on pop has already earned critical acclaim with her winning the Ivor Novello Rising Star award for 2021 and being mentored by pop legend Nile Rodgers in the process. Today, Willow Kayne adds another cut to her mighty discography, with the attitude-fueled “Opinion.”
Inspired by the unfuckwithable rebel-pop of 00s icons such as Santigold and M.I.A, the track lands a sucker punch from the outset, breaking out of playground soundscapes with gargantuan bass hits and a pulse-raising hook that takes cues from the aforementioned Santigold. Making way for Willow to spotlight her most dexterous rapping yet, “Opinion” is a full-bodied rapid fire message for the uninitiated to keep their comments to themselves and to simply stand back and watch her blaze her own trail.
On the track, Willow says:
“I wrote ‘Opinion’ last year after receiving childlike comments that people just insisted I had to know! There’s a strong playground theme in this song to remind those of how close to schoolyard drama it all sounds. I’m definitely one for airing out stupid comments I receive in my music, and this was just another opportunity to remind people of how childish it can sound sometimes. I’m fighting fire with fire!”
An unashamedly tenacious example of why Willow Kayne is one of the most exciting emerging artists in the world right now, “Opinion” takes her genre-blurring attitude to creation to the very next level. A perfect example of just how explosive pop can be in the right hands, no one can predict which direction Willow will steer her unwieldy sonics – but one thing we can predict is that it’ll be an unforgettable ride.
Reimagined after 70 years of innovation and improvement, the newest model of Land Rover’s Defender 110 honors the company’s history of creating safe and reliable vehicles, with a new-found attention to detail and design for the 21st century.
At CES 2021, Chief Design Officer of Land Rover, Gerry McGovern, spoke about the Defender 110 and said,
“The new Defender is respectful of its past but is not harnessed by it …. This is a new Defender for a New Age. Its unique personality is accentuated by its distinctive silhouette and optimum proportions, which make it both highly desirable and seriously capable – a visually compelling 4×4 that wears its design and engineering integrity with uncompromisedcommitment.”
Whether you’re off-roading, looking to pick up some necessary lockdown supplies, or traveling to see friends and family, the Defender promises to get you to your destination safely. Here at 360 Magazine, we recently took the luxurious yet rambunctious 2021 Land Rover Defender for a test drive, and were impressed by the car’s capabilities and curb appeal. We took the vehicle out for a spin to retrieve must needed supplies from various retailers including Home Depot, PetSmart, and Michael’s Art Supplies, shoot emerging recording artist LaJUNE, and pop in on my son and mother after they recovered from COVID-19 for some much needed fun. During all of these getaways, the Defender’s breaks dug deep into the asphalt at stop signs and hugged tight corners. All of the passengers felt safe and secure in the vehicle which operated with control and ease throughout all of our adventures.
Other recently released vehicles– such as the Mercedes Benz G Class, Toyota 4Runner, and Jeep Grand Cherokee– all pale in comparison to the Defender’s sleek design and driving capability, crafted with commitment to your safety and pleasure.
Design
The Defender’s doesn’t put style over substance as its incredible capabilities match its dazzling curb appeal. Immediately upon viewing the available Indus Silver, Gondwana Stone, or Pangea Green paint jobs shine with a glimmer of affluence and sophistication and compliment the vehicle’s constructivist, modular interior. A magnesium cross bar beam has been installed both for its reductive design and durability that it grants to the vehicle’s body. Beautiful alpine lights in the rear of the vehicle allow for an open-air design from floor to roof. The large panoramic sunroof in the car cabin makes the vehicle feel even more spacious by letting in even more light.
Additionally, the second row of origami seats can fold down to allow even more room inside the car cabin. With these seats folded down, the Defender 110 offers a total storage capacity of 78.8 cubic feet, or 36.2 cubic feet with the second row of seats positioned upright. Deep pockets on the back doors, baskets on the side doors, and a lockable 1.5-gallon glove box each allow for easy access to storage inside the vehicle.
Designed to maximize storage, users can lift up the floor to reveal a hidden storage bin equipped with a tool kit. In the trunk, a clip-in, textured floor design designed for rugged use covers the floor and the backs of all of the seats. This load space lets users transport the treasures and grit of your outdoor adventures, and can be hosed off or machined washed once arrived at your destination.
As you’re cruising down the road, the car’s all terrain, blackout tires will transport you on a smooth ride to any destination you can dream of, and in case of emergency, a full-size spare tire is mounted on the rear of the vehicle. The wheels come in several available sizes (in): 18 x 8.0, 18 x 8.0, 20 x 8.5, 22 x 9.0. Additionally, the rear of the vehicle possesses advanced tow assist and an ultra-strong tow hitch receiver with a maximum towing capacity of 8,201 lbs.
Technology
The new Land Rover Defender 110 offers the world’s first dual-modem, dual eSIM design, manufactured to enhance efficiency and function. Furnished with the Pivi Pro infotainment system in the vehicle’s dashboard, the system alerts drivers with Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) updates, and lets users stream music and operate applications with CloudCar technology. CloudCar technology allows for drivers to safely and seamlessly incorporate their digital lives into their driving– drivers can dial into meetings, store calendar invites, and stream music services like Spotify, TuneIn, and Deezer with ease.
Further, a 10-inch high-resolution touchscreen allows drivers precise control over the vehicle with a digital speedometer display. Everything a driver needs to adjust is easily accessible. Other capabilities include driver assist, advanced off road, and standard off road standard packs. This model also offers Bluetooth, Android audio, and Apple CarPlay, so you can stay connected with those you hold close, no matter how far away they are.
And if you are embarking on an ambitious road trip to see your far-away family? The Defender 110 offers six standard speakers, or an optional Meridian sound system with subwoofers, so you can keep the beats bumping. Wherever you go, Smart Voice Guidance technology will optimize routing to get you to your destination most efficiently.
The Defender is equipped with AC power, so you can power accessories (such as a cooler) from remote locations. Wherever you go, the advanced technology and luxurious experience of driving of Land Rover Defender 110 stays with you.
Performance
Equipped with all-wheel drive, this off-road vehicle can handle all landscapes. The Defender’s auto-functionally Terrain Response 2 and ClearSight Ground View technologies can recognize different types of outdoors terrain and adjust the vehicle accordingly. Whether you are driving through the desert or tundra, the Defender promises the same deluxe driving experience. With a built-in hydraulics system, the Defender is able to be raised or lowered over whatever external grit you encounter, protecting the vehicle and its occupants against a single scratch. The Defender’s Response 2 technology grants intelligent off-road technology to drivers, optimizing traction in various outdoors environments.
Beneath the hood, the Defender is equipped with both dual turbocharged and supercharged Inline 6 engines, and a 48-volt hybrid system. The Defender offers a permanent magnet electric motor. With such a powerful system, the Defender can put out 396 peak horsepower at 5,500rpm, and 406 pound-feet of torque at 2,000-5,000rpm. The vehicle also boasts an 8-speed automatic transmission and dual-range gearbox. The fuel economy of the Defender is also impressive, with 1t MPG in the city, or 20 MGP on the highway. The 2021 Land Rover Defender is expedition ready wherever you wish to go, while assuring that safety and comfort come along for the ride.
Safety
Engineered without compromise, the Defender commits to the utmost safety of its users. Land Rover’s 2021 Defender comes with driver assist, which includes emergency braking, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, cruise control, speed limiter functions, driver condition monitors, and front and rear parking aids. The vehicle’s 3D Surround Camera system, developed with Bosch, is equipped with four wide-angle HD Cameras that provide a 190-degree field of view– a 50-degree wider field of vision when compared to traditional rear-view mirrors. This system includes a 3G bits/s video backbone and 14 ultrasonic sensors, which makes backing up into the smallest of spots effortless. Even if your trunk is full, the Defender is equipped with a digital rear-view mirror for increased visibility.
Best of all seat pretensions and front-impact, side-impact, and overhead airbags have been installed to protect passenger’s heads and torsos in case of a crash. To further ensure the safety of its occupants, the Defender protects its passengers with a security system designed to anticipate and detect unwanted vehicle intrusion.
Ergonomics x Additional Features
At a modest MSRP of $62,250, the Defender offers luxury and sophistication to anyone ready to get behind its wheel. Upon purchase, there are four optional accessories packs that allow users to specifically tailor their Defender experience: the Explorer Pack, Adventure Pack, Country Pack, or Urban Pack. The Land Rover Defender 110 drives users to experience new landscapes of life, during a time while everyone else is staying inside. Accoutered with a pop-up roof tent accessory, the Defender is ready to travel with you wherever you go, whether it be on an outdoors expedition or just a short trip to the grocery store.
The Land Rover Defender 110 model will be released for sale in the U.S. in early 2021.
LAND ROVER LAUNCHES ‘DEFENDER ABOVE & BEYOND SERVICE AWARDS’ TO HONOR U.S. ORGANIZATIONS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR COMMUNITY
Reflecting the seven decades of Land Rover, U.S. non-profits will be awarded a customized Land Rover Defender to empower them to further their efforts in helping those around them
Through July 27, 2021, Land Rover will be accepting video nominations here for organizations making a difference
Organizations must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3)1non-profits whose efforts fall within the seven categories outlined in the program
For information and rules3on the ‘Defender Above & Beyond Service Awards,’ please visit Land Rover’s website or follow @LandRoverUSA on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter
Across seven decades, Land Rover vehicles have earned a unique place in the hearts of humanitarian agencies across the world. The Defender continues this legacy and maintains its standing as a vehicle purpose-built for service. Inspired by the endless acts of service across the U.S. from extraordinary citizens this past year, Land Rover announced the launch of the ‘Defender Above & Beyond Service Awards’ to celebrate U.S.-based charitable organizations that are making a positive impact in their local community. To honor the 70-year history of the brand, Land Rover will award a specially outfitted Defender to seven organizations to help further their charitable efforts.
Organizations must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3)1 non-profits whose efforts fall within the seven categories below:
Search and Rescue
Coastal and Marine Conservation
Animal Welfare
First Responders
Environmental
Urban Improvement
Fire Services
Entrants can nominate a non-profit charity or non-profits can nominate themselves here by filling out the entry form and submitting an up to three-minute video that shares what your charity is about, how it addresses a need in your community and how the Land Rover Defender will help to further your effort.
Starting with Search and Rescue and Coastal and Marine Conservation, Land Rover will call for entries through Wednesday, April 7, 2021 before opening submissions for the next categories. Once selected by a panel of qualified judges, finalists’ videos will be posted on their website for public voting before submissions for the next categories take place. All winners will be announced on September 2, 2021. To view submission deadlines for each category, please visit their website.
“Defender vehicles have been used for various humanitarian causes around the world for decades and with its recent return to the U.S., we wanted to expand on that legacy with ‘The Defender Above & Beyond Service Awards’ and celebrate organizations that know the value of community and drive to do great things with them,” said Joe Eberhardt, President & CEO, Jaguar Land Rover North America. “Over this past year, we have been inspired by the endless acts of service from people who embody the Above and Beyond spirit of Land Rover, and we’re excited to reward these individuals with new customized Defender vehicles so they can continue to help those around them.”
With a nod to the historic Land Rover Defender, the New Defender is the toughest and most capable Land Rover vehicle yet, combining a new body structure with all-new technologies and legendary engineering to create a Defender fit for the 21st century. The 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 is on sale now in the U.S. and is priced from $50,5002, the Defender 90 body style is also on sale now in the U.S. and priced from $46,1002. Configure your Defender on theirwebsite.
For information on the Land Rover ‘Defender Above & Beyond Service Awards’, please visit Land Rover’s website or follow them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
Organizations must be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in one of the seven (7) Categories specified, be approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt, charitable organization as of March 9, 2021, and maintain its tax-exempt status (i.e., good standing) until the end of the Contest Period. The 501(c)(3) must be a public charity or a private operating foundation, but not a private foundation.
All prices shown are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Excludes $1,350 destination and delivery, tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your local authorized Land Rover Retailer for details.
Information, submission deadlines, rules on the ‘Defender Above & Beyond Service Awards,’ can be found here.
The BMW 3 series has always dominated the small luxury sedan market. Jaguar challenges that with the 2020 Jaguar XE. Jags have always been known for three things: driving feel, prestige and presence. In a market saturated with big players from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Genesis, JLR had no choice but to throw everything including the kitchen sink at the XE. 360 Magazine examined the changes to see if they produced.
Exterior
Known for its dashing looks, Jaguar has been making subtle but effective updates to the current generation XE. In 2020, notice the head and tail lights have been sharpened slightly to give the vehicle a wider and lower impression. These upgrades make the car look more aggressive and imposing. LED lighting is standard in the rear and optional up front. Wheel options are formidable throughout the lineup with sizes ranging from 18” to 20”. In addition, it possesses puddle lights which differentiate it from other compact European vehicles within its class.
Interior
The interior is perhaps the biggest improvement of the 2020 XE. Dominating the center console is the twin screen infotainment/HVAC controls pulled from all other Jaguar Land Rover products. Remarkably, the modernized system brings a new level of intuitiveness missing from prior model years. Quality is a mixed bag, some soft materials and some cheaper with uneven gaps, as usual with the group. An excellent attention to detail is the half-metal stalks coming off the steering wheel. Otherwise, the Jag is mostly unchanged on the inside compared to the outgoing model. Additional features include power adjustable leather seats, dual zone climate control, and a huge panoramic sunroof for an airy experience. Talk about sunshine on a cloudy day. Light shines through to amplify the size of the car.
Technology
First enter the sedan at night for an eyeful of bright and colorful ambient lighting that highlight the contours throughout. Drivers can expect a head up display, 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 360 team appreciated a new rear view mirror with a built-in camera similar to GM’s.
Performance
Jag delivered as promised on the most important aspect of a small luxury sedan – performance. As with what seems like every other vehicle nowadays, a 2.0L 4 cylinder turbocharged engine is standard. In the base XE S trim, the engine outputs 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft torque which is good for a 0-60 time of 6.2 seconds. Step up to the R-Dynamic S trim and the 2.0L engine kicks out 296 horsepower, 295 lb-ft torque, and a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds. Both trims are built on a lightweight aluminum architecture with a curb weight of 3,385 and 3,560 pounds, respectively. The base trim pushes power to the rear wheels standard with AWD as an option. Engineers also considered aerodynamics heavily while developing this car and have fine tuned it for this model year. The XE has a drag coefficient as low as Cd0.27, which is slightly more than the BMW at 0.26 but still very impressive. This leads to the friendly MPG numbers.
R-Dynamic vehicles come standard with AWD. Standard performance and handling features include brake vectoring, double wishbone front suspension and integral link rear suspension. Optional features include Configurable Dynamics with adjustable steering weight and throttle response, Adaptive Dampers, and bigger brakes and aero treatments. Combine everything and you have a dream handling machine. Fuel economy numbers stand at 25/34 city/highway for the Base trim and 22/30 for the R-Dynamic.
Safety
The XE comes standard with emergency braking, standard cruise control, driver condition monitoring, rear view camera and lane keep assist. The LKA is the variety that nudges the vehicle back into the lane rather than keeping it centered in the lane. Gearheads may not feel comfortable taking hands off the wheel in this vehicle. This is the opposite of most BMW vehicles as their LKA is much more confidence inspiring. With that being said, we are excited for Jaguar’s next generation XE and its updated LKA as it should be top notch. Optional features for the XE include Adaptive Cruise Control with start/stop, High Speed Emergency Braking and Blind Spot Assist. The comprehensive suite of advanced safety technology makes this cruiser feel very sturdy and safe.
To top it off, the XE has powerful brakes and six airbags spread out throughout the cabin in the front, side and rear curtain. This Jag comes in at approximately $40,000 base with the R Dynamic Trim starting at $46,000. After an extensive drive, it’s apparent Jaguar built a real competitor in the true driver’s car market.
For 80 years RUF has worked in pursuit of the perfect driving experience. That pursuit began with repairs, moved to modifications and finally to the engineering and manufacture of its own cars. From the small town of Pfaffenhausen, Germany, RUF turned the automotive world upside down when its turbocharged CTR was crowned the fastest car in the world by Road & Track magazine in 1987. At the Ehra-Lessien test track legendary racing driver Phil Hill hit 211 mph in the “Yellowbird,” a nickname given to the car by the magazine because of the shining yellow paint.
At The Quail, A Motorsports Gatheringthis year, a selection of custom RUF creations will be on display. The all new RUF CTR will make its U.S. debut alongside the very first “Yellowbird” CTR #001. With a bespoke carbon fiber monocoque and 710 horsepower flat-six engine, the all-new CTR carries on the legacy of its record setting predecessor.
As if the name didn’t suggest it enough, the 2018 Buick Regal Sportback appears to have spent some time training for combat. At first glance, the Regal Essence can appear aggressive due to it’s sharp and narrow LED headlamps with their automatic self leveling system and cornering ability have a bit of “Demon” presence while the rear half of the chassis, with it’s raked roof is calm and collected. Overall the body porpotions have a “utopian” greenhouse effect. Buick claims there are “zero” edges on this car and you’d be hardpressed to find any.
If the looks aren’t enough to please, the cabin works well as a mobile office double with plenty of convienent driver ammenities such as the optional “sights and sounds” package. A premium HD audio system adds extra “oomph” by replacing the spare tire under the trunk with a subwoofer- not to worry as the roadside emergency tool kit with a tire inflator is supplemented. The passengers are never left out of the action with the Regals 4G LTE hotspot connection, including Blutooth streaming for Apple car play.
The 2018 Regal Sportback’s personality and charm really shine when it’s 2.0 liter turbocharged engine paired with a quick shifting 9-speed automatic gearbox work together like a complex watch. It’s fair to say that the Regal entices you to put the pedal to the floor while it begs you for more. Perhaps this is a result of the new Buick being assembled in Europe by Opel, a company that has had its fair share of cars built for the street that end up on the track.
Our Essence model, with the 18-inch machined wheels and optional fog lamps came out the door with a $35,800 price tag- not bad considering all of the performance and infotainment features, but it’s European build quality suggest a car that would retail for quite a bit more.
Humans are unique in their ability to overcome the unimaginable. We are forced to explore the unknown – to push our physical and mental limits. Brave people have taken chances and it has shaped our universe for the better. Whether we are attempting to climb the highest mountain or land our dream job, the thrill of doing something we haven’t done before creates a spark and meaning in our lives. For some of us this becomes a constant journey of discovering the next big thrill or adventure to add to the list of successes. Whether it be a bucket list item or just a childhood aspiration.
LifeRush Adventures is a society striving to deliver outdoor adventures that appeal to the adrenal glands. Recently, we received the pleasure of accompanying them on a trip to the world renowned Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. This course has been in operation for over 40+ years and has hosted some of the greatest races of all time. In 2008, Mazda Raceway was home to the Redbull U.S. Grand Prix where Valentino Rossi (multiple MotoGP World Champion) overtakes Casey Stoner in The Corkscrew (one of the hardest turns in motor racing in which you hit a blind cress into a three-story drop with a unique left-right combination) to win the race. It was Rossi’s first win in America; and he kisses The Corkscrew in front of 150,000 spectators.
LifeRush Adventures in collaboration with Fast Toys Club makes these spectacular track events possible. Every month they take a different track and list an exotic car to commission (Lamborghini Huracan, Porsche 911, Audi R8, etc.) for your driving pleasure. Or, if you own a sports car, you can track it at $359/day. Moreover, they possess excellent team building/corporate packages, beginning at $3,000 (includes one supercar plus six laps around the track per person).
At Mazda Raceway, we were offered a 2017 Corvette Z06. In the morning, we started out with an instructional meeting on how to navigate the track: how and when to pass vehicles; the distinction of flags used; additional safety measures and the proper way to ‘hit the apex.’
Moments after, we paired up with a coach (or ride along instructor), we strapped on our helmets and fastened our passenger seat belts. If you’re a confident driver just hop in the driver’s seat.
LifeRush Adventures also offers an array of spontaneous activities: helicopter tours, costal exotic car drives, paddle boarding and flyboarding.
