bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

lamboblogging
https://ift.tt/3b3rhxp

Submitted March 01, 2021 at 10:31AM by hazelbenson https://ift.tt/2ZWtqo6
via Blogger https://ift.tt/37XVPhX
March 01, 2021 at 10:57AM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

lamboblogging
https://ift.tt/3kxVSpL

Submitted March 01, 2021 at 10:35AM by hazelbenson https://ift.tt/3e3G9NU
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March 01, 2021 at 10:57AM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

lamboblogging
https://ift.tt/2PmQ72Q

Submitted March 01, 2021 at 10:38AM by hazelbenson https://ift.tt/3023PKp
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3r3MFYJ
March 01, 2021 at 10:57AM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

lamboblogging
https://ift.tt/3bLxZav

Submitted March 01, 2021 at 08:18AM by divertiti https://ift.tt/3uFOCgm
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3dV1hpD
March 01, 2021 at 08:57AM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

lamboblogging

Wei Shen is somehow transported to the Mad Max world on a mission to arrest Mad Max (although Wei is fine with killing him instead, and will likely have to). Mad Max is combined canons of the video game and the films (they actually do fit together if you consider the series as a bunch of anachronistic legends rather than 1st person accounts), and Wei Shen has feats from the main game, the new years/cult dlc, and the martial arts dlc.

Round 1: Limited Melee combat, Max has shivs and his spiked knuckles, Wei has a tazer and handcuffs Wei will attempt a nonlethal victory, Max will not.

Round 2: All-Out Melee combat, Max has shivs, a hammer-esque two handed weapon and his shotgun with 6 shells. Wei has his golden .50 Desert Eagle handgun with 2 mags, a tazer and a telescopic police baton. Wei's going full bloodlust here.

Round 3: Vehicular combat, Max has his fully-upgraded Magnum Opus with harpoon, nitro boosts, thunderpoon projectiles, a sniper, fire-pipes, spiked wheels, hijack-proof spikes, etc, while Wei has his DZS-90 supercar, with an EMP generator (wouldn't work on a scrap vehicle though), a devastating front ram, an auto-driving mode, and two powerful mounted chain-guns, remotely used from inside the vehicle. Melee combat is a last resort for both parties.

Submitted March 01, 2021 at 08:43AM by SaltyPeppermint101 https://ift.tt/3b1AE0h
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3bJmRuC
March 01, 2021 at 08:57AM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in
lamboblogging
https://twitter.com/Unathi_Kwaza/status/1366186037429628930

Submitted March 01, 2021 at 06:08AM by TweetArchiveBot https://ift.tt/2MxRuuq
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3q7uQqu
March 01, 2021 at 06:57AM
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3sOGkkH
March 01, 2021 at 06:59AM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in
lamboblogging
https://ift.tt/3r5y1Ah

Submitted March 01, 2021 at 06:17AM by NewsElfForEnterprise https://ift.tt/2NMqI25
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3b0cBiy
March 01, 2021 at 06:57AM
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3q31pWF
March 01, 2021 at 06:59AM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in
lamboblogging
https://ift.tt/37Sws12

Submitted March 01, 2021 at 06:46AM by EhItsBiggieCheese https://ift.tt/37XpWpJ
via Blogger https://ift.tt/37SFeMn
March 01, 2021 at 06:57AM
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3q65KZ7
March 01, 2021 at 06:59AM

lamboblogging

https://ift.tt/3b3rhxp

Submitted March 01, 2021 at 10:31AM by hazelbenson https://ift.tt/2ZWtqo6

lamboblogging

https://ift.tt/3kxVSpL

Submitted March 01, 2021 at 10:35AM by hazelbenson https://ift.tt/3e3G9NU

lamboblogging

https://ift.tt/2PmQ72Q

Submitted March 01, 2021 at 10:38AM by hazelbenson https://ift.tt/3023PKp

lamboblogging

https://ift.tt/3bLxZav

Submitted March 01, 2021 at 08:18AM by divertiti https://ift.tt/3uFOCgm

lamboblogging

Wei Shen is somehow transported to the Mad Max world on a mission to arrest Mad Max (although Wei is fine with killing him instead, and will likely have to). Mad Max is combined canons of the video game and the films (they actually do fit together if you consider the series as a bunch of anachronistic legends rather than 1st person accounts), and Wei Shen has feats from the main game, the new years/cult dlc, and the martial arts dlc.

Round 1: Limited Melee combat, Max has shivs and his spiked knuckles, Wei has a tazer and handcuffs Wei will attempt a nonlethal victory, Max will not.

Round 2: All-Out Melee combat, Max has shivs, a hammer-esque two handed weapon and his shotgun with 6 shells. Wei has his golden .50 Desert Eagle handgun with 2 mags, a tazer and a telescopic police baton. Wei's going full bloodlust here.

Round 3: Vehicular combat, Max has his fully-upgraded Magnum Opus with harpoon, nitro boosts, thunderpoon projectiles, a sniper, fire-pipes, spiked wheels, hijack-proof spikes, etc, while Wei has his DZS-90 supercar, with an EMP generator (wouldn't work on a scrap vehicle though), a devastating front ram, an auto-driving mode, and two powerful mounted chain-guns, remotely used from inside the vehicle. Melee combat is a last resort for both parties.

Submitted March 01, 2021 at 08:43AM by SaltyPeppermint101 https://ift.tt/3b1AE0h

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

lamboblogging
https://twitter.com/Unathi_Kwaza/status/1366186037429628930

Submitted March 01, 2021 at 06:08AM by TweetArchiveBot https://ift.tt/2MxRuuq
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3q7uQqu
March 01, 2021 at 06:57AM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

lamboblogging
https://ift.tt/3r5y1Ah

Submitted March 01, 2021 at 06:17AM by NewsElfForEnterprise https://ift.tt/2NMqI25
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3b0cBiy
March 01, 2021 at 06:57AM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

lamboblogging
https://ift.tt/37Sws12

Submitted March 01, 2021 at 06:46AM by EhItsBiggieCheese https://ift.tt/37XpWpJ
via Blogger https://ift.tt/37SFeMn
March 01, 2021 at 06:57AM

lamboblogging

https://twitter.com/Unathi_Kwaza/status/1366186037429628930

Submitted March 01, 2021 at 06:08AM by TweetArchiveBot https://ift.tt/2MxRuuq

lamboblogging

https://ift.tt/3r5y1Ah

Submitted March 01, 2021 at 06:17AM by NewsElfForEnterprise https://ift.tt/2NMqI25

lamboblogging

https://ift.tt/37Sws12

Submitted March 01, 2021 at 06:46AM by EhItsBiggieCheese https://ift.tt/37XpWpJ

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in
lamboblogging

Hi all!

I’ve been trying out driving the Supercars recently and have found them super fun to drive. I was thinking about racing them next season but noticed that the times that they go official are very limited.

Would y’all know the best times to race these things?

Thanks!

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 10:47AM by ant_97x https://ift.tt/3kytjZA
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3q0RFw5
February 28, 2021 at 10:57AM
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3bJqMYt
February 28, 2021 at 02:09PM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in
bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in
lamboblogging
https://ift.tt/3e5Q6uD

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 06:40AM by J1MZ46 https://ift.tt/3dTTt7O
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3r6K54k
February 28, 2021 at 06:57AM
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February 28, 2021 at 10:09AM
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3uETu5n
February 28, 2021 at 02:09PM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in
bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in
bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in
lamboblogging
https://youtube.com/watch?v=kwRmjHsah_M&feature=share

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 05:36AM by ProgramSensitive https://ift.tt/3pYWQwA
via Blogger https://ift.tt/2MxeolN
February 28, 2021 at 05:57AM
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3e18bto
February 28, 2021 at 05:58AM
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3r69wCY
February 28, 2021 at 10:09AM
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3kuVjx3
February 28, 2021 at 02:09PM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in
bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in
bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in
lamboblogging

Race 2, starts tonight at 10:40ET

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 05:47AM by realityagent https://ift.tt/3bIHG9z
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3ky9wtg
February 28, 2021 at 05:57AM
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3dWCGRk
February 28, 2021 at 05:58AM
via Blogger https://ift.tt/2Mxrlfn
February 28, 2021 at 10:09AM
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3q1OmVi
February 28, 2021 at 02:09PM

lamboblogging

https://mobile.twitter.com/Reuters/status/1365977649387106305

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 04:38PM by -en- https://ift.tt/3kudMcY

lamboblogging

Every new supercar just not interesting anymore, lamborghini feels like come from transformers movies, rest cars almost same looking, trying to look like spaceships or fighter jets, but zero class and originality, like before cars f40, diablo, all iconic cars with charm

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 03:21PM by Vkrrs https://ift.tt/2ZXfR7Z

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

lamboblogging

I've recently been playing through Crash Bandicoot 4, and honestly I have been absolutely getting my arse kicked by it. It's fair to say the developers took the comments of the N Sane Trilogy being "the Dark Souls of mascot platformers" to heart and strived to make an even harder version. Crash 4 is like a fan mod designed to make the original game harder, it still has all the fundamental building blocks but the difficulty has been ramped up to 11 under the justification that "only people who have played the previous games a billion times and know all the mechanical tricks would want this, so it's fine that it's so hard."

Now it's fair to say Crash as a series has always had some difficulty to it. The first game in particular has a lot of difficult moments. Getting gems requires not only getting every box, but doing so without dying, and the player is limited in how often they can save. Crash 2 & 3 meanwhile have 'Death Routes', harder pathways in levels that are only available if the player can get from the start of the level to the very end without dying. Crash 4 has it's own death related challenges. You will get a gem in each level if you clear it with three or less deaths, and will unlock bonus levels if you can reach a certain point in each level without dying a single time. But of note, the levels in Crash 4 are easily three times longer than the longest levels in other games, and are also that much harder in terms of overall design and obstacles, making no death runs significantly harder.

Crash 2 is easier than Crash 1, mostly because of the removal of the "no deaths in a level" rule for getting gems, and the ability to save the game more frequently. But that's not to say Crash 2 is an easy game, it still has some really challenging levels, but the difficulty comes from presenting a different challenge, not necessarily a harder one. The same is true for Crash 3 as well, it's on par in terms of difficulty with Crash 2, but the challenge is different. One of the hardest things Crash 2 asks the player to do is navigate a series of instantly-exploding nitro crates that are set up on ice, then stop at the end to hit a switch box and head back in reverse, this is found in an optional area of level 17, while one of Crash 3's hardest moments is in level 20 which routinely floods and drains, tasking the player with timing movement between chunks of high ground so they don't drown. It's not necessarily a harder challenge, it's a different challenge.

From the start however Crash 4 is presenting harder versions of things done previously, and in longer levels, with new mechanics on top as well. Even the earliest stages requires the player to be able to perfectly time double jumps off of collapsing platforms that require the player to bring into existence at the press of R2 (while others will disappear at the same time), meaning the player not only has to clear a tough platforming section, but they have to do it while also keeping track of what platforms are currently solid and what ones are out of phase. And this would be fine for optional content, or levels that appear later on, but the player is literally expected to be able to do things like this from level 3 onwards. Yes, it too is something different to previous games, but it's not an equivalent difficulty. The game just assumes that the player has mastered the hardest platforming challenges in the previous games, and thus doesn't need to worry about how these combine with the new elements, meaning the game effectively opens up asking you to juggle tight platforming with other mechanics on top of it.

While I don't doubt there is satisfaction to be had in overcoming a hard challenge, the fundamental reason most people buy a sequel is because they liked the game that came before, and want more experiences of that nature, not necessarily harder experiences. The best sequels bring improvements, new mechanics, different level design ideas, and a whole bunch of new challenges, but usually of a similar scale in difficulty to the previous game. Crash 4 meanwhile is the platforming equivalent of starting a racing game sequel in a hatchback racing against supercars in an unknown course, or starting a fighting game as an entirely new character facing off against three opponents without health being reset after each one. It's not just escalation of previous challenge, it's escalation plus requiring mastery of something entirely unfamiliar at once that creates a massive wall of difficulty.

As this is the ultimate irony of the game for me. The sections where the game tests just the skills picked up from the previous games (such as the bonus levels unlocked with the tapes), are actually a lot of fun, because actually I am able to beat them. But when the main levels ask me to juggle that alongside it's new mechanics, it doesn't matter how good I am at the old stuff, because the mix makes those skills irrelevant. If these sections had been as hard as the platforming found in Crash 2 & 3, they would be manageable, but they've opened on par with the hardest things from those games and it just escalates even more.

And I know, complaining about difficulty is always met with "git gud", and there are people who have invested the time to reach full completion, and people skilled enough that the game isn't a hard slog to get through. It's just frustrating to me as I was looking forward to a new challenge based on something I hadn't seen in previous titles, not new and also harder challenge. Sure, I didn't want a cakewalk, but I also wasn't expecting to die over a dozen times on level 1 because the game decided to start harder than the previous games ended.

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 12:49PM by Nambot https://ift.tt/3r1F5Ox
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3uHDuQe
February 28, 2021 at 12:57PM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

lamboblogging

Just listening to the SVG post race interview and they talked about aero making it harder to stay close and pass.

Are they basically saying the cars rely too much on grip from downforce vs tyre grip?

Haven't followed Supercars for a few years, but this year I'm sharing a Kayo account with a mate who gets it cheap and determined to get back into it.

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 11:27AM by MattSpew https://ift.tt/3q62aOt
via Blogger https://ift.tt/37UoyUK
February 28, 2021 at 11:57AM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

lamboblogging

Hi all!

I’ve been trying out driving the Supercars recently and have found them super fun to drive. I was thinking about racing them next season but noticed that the times that they go official are very limited.

Would y’all know the best times to race these things?

Thanks!

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 10:47AM by ant_97x https://ift.tt/3kytjZA
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3q0RFw5
February 28, 2021 at 10:57AM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in
lamboblogging
https://ift.tt/3e5Q6uD

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 06:40AM by J1MZ46 https://ift.tt/3dTTt7O
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3r6K54k
February 28, 2021 at 06:57AM
via Blogger https://ift.tt/2ZX6vZV
February 28, 2021 at 10:09AM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in
bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in
lamboblogging
https://youtube.com/watch?v=kwRmjHsah_M&feature=share

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 05:36AM by ProgramSensitive https://ift.tt/3pYWQwA
via Blogger https://ift.tt/2MxeolN
February 28, 2021 at 05:57AM
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3e18bto
February 28, 2021 at 05:58AM
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3r69wCY
February 28, 2021 at 10:09AM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in
bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in
lamboblogging

Race 2, starts tonight at 10:40ET

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 05:47AM by realityagent https://ift.tt/3bIHG9z
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3ky9wtg
February 28, 2021 at 05:57AM
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3dWCGRk
February 28, 2021 at 05:58AM
via Blogger https://ift.tt/2Mxrlfn
February 28, 2021 at 10:09AM

lamboblogging

I've recently been playing through Crash Bandicoot 4, and honestly I have been absolutely getting my arse kicked by it. It's fair to say the developers took the comments of the N Sane Trilogy being "the Dark Souls of mascot platformers" to heart and strived to make an even harder version. Crash 4 is like a fan mod designed to make the original game harder, it still has all the fundamental building blocks but the difficulty has been ramped up to 11 under the justification that "only people who have played the previous games a billion times and know all the mechanical tricks would want this, so it's fine that it's so hard."

Now it's fair to say Crash as a series has always had some difficulty to it. The first game in particular has a lot of difficult moments. Getting gems requires not only getting every box, but doing so without dying, and the player is limited in how often they can save. Crash 2 & 3 meanwhile have 'Death Routes', harder pathways in levels that are only available if the player can get from the start of the level to the very end without dying. Crash 4 has it's own death related challenges. You will get a gem in each level if you clear it with three or less deaths, and will unlock bonus levels if you can reach a certain point in each level without dying a single time. But of note, the levels in Crash 4 are easily three times longer than the longest levels in other games, and are also that much harder in terms of overall design and obstacles, making no death runs significantly harder.

Crash 2 is easier than Crash 1, mostly because of the removal of the "no deaths in a level" rule for getting gems, and the ability to save the game more frequently. But that's not to say Crash 2 is an easy game, it still has some really challenging levels, but the difficulty comes from presenting a different challenge, not necessarily a harder one. The same is true for Crash 3 as well, it's on par in terms of difficulty with Crash 2, but the challenge is different. One of the hardest things Crash 2 asks the player to do is navigate a series of instantly-exploding nitro crates that are set up on ice, then stop at the end to hit a switch box and head back in reverse, this is found in an optional area of level 17, while one of Crash 3's hardest moments is in level 20 which routinely floods and drains, tasking the player with timing movement between chunks of high ground so they don't drown. It's not necessarily a harder challenge, it's a different challenge.

From the start however Crash 4 is presenting harder versions of things done previously, and in longer levels, with new mechanics on top as well. Even the earliest stages requires the player to be able to perfectly time double jumps off of collapsing platforms that require the player to bring into existence at the press of R2 (while others will disappear at the same time), meaning the player not only has to clear a tough platforming section, but they have to do it while also keeping track of what platforms are currently solid and what ones are out of phase. And this would be fine for optional content, or levels that appear later on, but the player is literally expected to be able to do things like this from level 3 onwards. Yes, it too is something different to previous games, but it's not an equivalent difficulty. The game just assumes that the player has mastered the hardest platforming challenges in the previous games, and thus doesn't need to worry about how these combine with the new elements, meaning the game effectively opens up asking you to juggle tight platforming with other mechanics on top of it.

While I don't doubt there is satisfaction to be had in overcoming a hard challenge, the fundamental reason most people buy a sequel is because they liked the game that came before, and want more experiences of that nature, not necessarily harder experiences. The best sequels bring improvements, new mechanics, different level design ideas, and a whole bunch of new challenges, but usually of a similar scale in difficulty to the previous game. Crash 4 meanwhile is the platforming equivalent of starting a racing game sequel in a hatchback racing against supercars in an unknown course, or starting a fighting game as an entirely new character facing off against three opponents without health being reset after each one. It's not just escalation of previous challenge, it's escalation plus requiring mastery of something entirely unfamiliar at once that creates a massive wall of difficulty.

As this is the ultimate irony of the game for me. The sections where the game tests just the skills picked up from the previous games (such as the bonus levels unlocked with the tapes), are actually a lot of fun, because actually I am able to beat them. But when the main levels ask me to juggle that alongside it's new mechanics, it doesn't matter how good I am at the old stuff, because the mix makes those skills irrelevant. If these sections had been as hard as the platforming found in Crash 2 & 3, they would be manageable, but they've opened on par with the hardest things from those games and it just escalates even more.

And I know, complaining about difficulty is always met with "git gud", and there are people who have invested the time to reach full completion, and people skilled enough that the game isn't a hard slog to get through. It's just frustrating to me as I was looking forward to a new challenge based on something I hadn't seen in previous titles, not new and also harder challenge. Sure, I didn't want a cakewalk, but I also wasn't expecting to die over a dozen times on level 1 because the game decided to start harder than the previous games ended.

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 12:49PM by Nambot https://ift.tt/3r1F5Ox

lamboblogging

Just listening to the SVG post race interview and they talked about aero making it harder to stay close and pass.

Are they basically saying the cars rely too much on grip from downforce vs tyre grip?

Haven't followed Supercars for a few years, but this year I'm sharing a Kayo account with a mate who gets it cheap and determined to get back into it.

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 11:27AM by MattSpew https://ift.tt/3q62aOt

lamboblogging

Hi all!

I’ve been trying out driving the Supercars recently and have found them super fun to drive. I was thinking about racing them next season but noticed that the times that they go official are very limited.

Would y’all know the best times to race these things?

Thanks!

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 10:47AM by ant_97x https://ift.tt/3kytjZA

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

lamboblogging
https://ift.tt/3e5Q6uD

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 06:40AM by J1MZ46 https://ift.tt/3dTTt7O
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3r6K54k
February 28, 2021 at 06:57AM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in
lamboblogging
https://youtube.com/watch?v=kwRmjHsah_M&feature=share

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 05:36AM by ProgramSensitive https://ift.tt/3pYWQwA
via Blogger https://ift.tt/2MxeolN
February 28, 2021 at 05:57AM
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3e18bto
February 28, 2021 at 05:58AM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in
lamboblogging

Race 2, starts tonight at 10:40ET

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 05:47AM by realityagent https://ift.tt/3bIHG9z
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3ky9wtg
February 28, 2021 at 05:57AM
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3dWCGRk
February 28, 2021 at 05:58AM

lamboblogging

https://ift.tt/3e5Q6uD

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 06:40AM by J1MZ46 https://ift.tt/3dTTt7O

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

lamboblogging
https://youtube.com/watch?v=kwRmjHsah_M&feature=share

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 05:36AM by ProgramSensitive https://ift.tt/3pYWQwA
via Blogger https://ift.tt/2MxeolN
February 28, 2021 at 05:57AM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

lamboblogging

Race 2, starts tonight at 10:40ET

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 05:47AM by realityagent https://ift.tt/3bIHG9z
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3ky9wtg
February 28, 2021 at 05:57AM

lamboblogging

https://youtube.com/watch?v=kwRmjHsah_M&feature=share

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 05:36AM by ProgramSensitive https://ift.tt/3pYWQwA

lamboblogging

Race 2, starts tonight at 10:40ET

Submitted February 28, 2021 at 05:47AM by realityagent https://ift.tt/3bIHG9z

lamboblogging

Does anyone have it?

Submitted February 27, 2021 at 02:25PM by pippoderamo https://ift.tt/2O9LFDK

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

lamboblogging
https://youtube.com/watch?v=2dRN3sjIxQk&feature=share

Submitted February 27, 2021 at 12:22PM by supercargames https://ift.tt/3aYg696
via Blogger https://ift.tt/2MxxDM0
February 27, 2021 at 12:57PM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

lamboblogging

Drive a supercar Or beat up Jamie from the Progressive commericals

Submitted February 27, 2021 at 12:33PM by LocoChingon95 https://ift.tt/3uCoind
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3b0amvz
February 27, 2021 at 12:57PM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

lamboblogging

Hear me out.

I know there's Formula E. I also know it will never have the prestige of Formula One. But pretty much every car manufacturer is giving the middle finger to the oil companies. Electric cars are the new hotness and ICE is slowly getting abolished. Numerous jurisdictions have planned final sale dates for all new passenger cars with Internal Combustion Engine within their geo. It's inevitable. Fossil fueled cars are facing their extinction.

Formula one is all about showcasing the highest technology and engineering techniques in the world. Formula E is a spec-car race. There is no innovation, there is no battle of engineering.

But if Formula E exists, wouldn't that series become redundant? No, there are tons of single seat, open-wheel racing series that coexist with Formula One that start with the word "Formula" and they contribute to many drivers maintaining points on their super license. Formula E might need a rename, but that's happened plenty of times.

But, Formula E races are too short, and no pitstops! Consumable Aluminum-Air batteries.

The regulations should specify using a replaceable battery pack that and they can replace up to two or three times during each race. Aluminum-Air batteries have one of the highest energy densities, rivaling petrol. We don't use them in road cars because they are too expensive and can't be recharged without a massive industrial process. The FIA could loosen engine specifications and limit the rules by just having the Al-Air battery being a specified part.

The pit stops would be more frequent, leading to more opportunities for bold strategy calls. The team with truly innovative engineering could steal the race from the big firms. Races will be more better. More manufacturers would enter Formula One again. The world could benefit from new & genuinely revolutionary electric car designs. We'll have some properly excellent electric supercars to drool over that will make us forget about our dinosaur-burning cars of our youth.

I think it would be win-win.

Submitted February 27, 2021 at 11:10AM by the_ranting_swede https://ift.tt/3kqWJZz
via Blogger https://ift.tt/2ZUTArh
February 27, 2021 at 11:57AM

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lamboblogging
https://ift.tt/3dYSH9g

Submitted February 27, 2021 at 08:55AM by RideshareAZ https://ift.tt/3kt5cv6
via Blogger https://ift.tt/37SE43y
February 27, 2021 at 09:57AM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in
lamboblogging

There is a chance Skycity Adelaide (my usual non home venue), will priortise Supercars coverage (and possibly other sports) and therefore the AFLW game against the Demons tomorrow could be another one of those 'video only on their screens, rely on your phone for delayed livestream audio'.

Am I going to get better luck at a smaller venue?

Yes I can just watch it at home via 7mate or on my phone however with a non home viewing of the match, I feel more free to be vocal in my support. (or disappointment)

Submitted February 27, 2021 at 08:07AM by MrRedditUser5000 https://ift.tt/2NKJo23
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3pUKRjn
February 27, 2021 at 08:57AM
via Blogger https://ift.tt/3pXj7uI
February 27, 2021 at 09:19AM

bitcoinsblogger.blogspot.in

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Favorite super car? 1. Ferrari 2. Lamborghini 3. Mclaren 🏎️

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SUP WORLDS!

Here we go another Supercar Science means another The7WG #1 Scammer Giveaway!

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Video Link is Here: https://youtu.be/7kmsiv8StiQ

The video will go live "Feb 27th 2021" If you're here early congratulations make sure you checkout the video when it comes out.

Pretty Easy stuff.

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Please keep in mind the giftcards are bought in USA so you might have to change locations on your account to redeem the giftcard, if you leave outside of the USA. I've had people redeem giftcards in UK, France, Philippines, Mexico, India and more without any issues.

THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCE via video on March 7th 2021!

This giveaway is sponsor by The7WG Wallet!

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Drive a supercar Or beat up Jamie from the Progressive commericals

Submitted February 27, 2021 at 12:33PM by LocoChingon95 https://ift.tt/3uCoind

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Hear me out.

I know there's Formula E. I also know it will never have the prestige of Formula One. But pretty much every car manufacturer is giving the middle finger to the oil companies. Electric cars are the new hotness and ICE is slowly getting abolished. Numerous jurisdictions have planned final sale dates for all new passenger cars with Internal Combustion Engine within their geo. It's inevitable. Fossil fueled cars are facing their extinction.

Formula one is all about showcasing the highest technology and engineering techniques in the world. Formula E is a spec-car race. There is no innovation, there is no battle of engineering.

But if Formula E exists, wouldn't that series become redundant? No, there are tons of single seat, open-wheel racing series that coexist with Formula One that start with the word "Formula" and they contribute to many drivers maintaining points on their super license. Formula E might need a rename, but that's happened plenty of times.

But, Formula E races are too short, and no pitstops! Consumable Aluminum-Air batteries.

The regulations should specify using a replaceable battery pack that and they can replace up to two or three times during each race. Aluminum-Air batteries have one of the highest energy densities, rivaling petrol. We don't use them in road cars because they are too expensive and can't be recharged without a massive industrial process. The FIA could loosen engine specifications and limit the rules by just having the Al-Air battery being a specified part.

The pit stops would be more frequent, leading to more opportunities for bold strategy calls. The team with truly innovative engineering could steal the race from the big firms. Races will be more better. More manufacturers would enter Formula One again. The world could benefit from new & genuinely revolutionary electric car designs. We'll have some properly excellent electric supercars to drool over that will make us forget about our dinosaur-burning cars of our youth.

I think it would be win-win.

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There is a chance Skycity Adelaide (my usual non home venue), will priortise Supercars coverage (and possibly other sports) and therefore the AFLW game against the Demons tomorrow could be another one of those 'video only on their screens, rely on your phone for delayed livestream audio'.

Am I going to get better luck at a smaller venue?

Yes I can just watch it at home via 7mate or on my phone however with a non home viewing of the match, I feel more free to be vocal in my support. (or disappointment)

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Favorite super car? 1. Ferrari 2. Lamborghini 3. Mclaren 🏎️

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SUP WORLDS!

Here we go another Supercar Science means another The7WG #1 Scammer Giveaway!

Please follow the rules below!!!!

1. Follow this subreddit "free"
2. Upvote this post "free"
3. Comment what you use either iOS or Google Play and also comment what country you're from!
4. Smash the LIKE BUTTON ON THE GIVEAWAY video!

Video Link is Here: https://youtu.be/7kmsiv8StiQ

The video will go live "Feb 27th 2021" If you're here early congratulations make sure you checkout the video when it comes out.

Pretty Easy stuff.

Please make sure you're following this subreddit as I will be messaging the winner here in Reddit.

The Winner will get $20 in form of a Google Play or iOS giftcard

Please keep in mind the giftcards are bought in USA so you might have to change locations on your account to redeem the giftcard, if you leave outside of the USA. I've had people redeem giftcards in UK, France, Philippines, Mexico, India and more without any issues.

THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCE via video on March 7th 2021!

This giveaway is sponsor by The7WG Wallet!

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There is a chance Skycity Adelaide (my usual non home venue), will priortise Supercars coverage (and possibly other sports) and therefore the AFLW game against the Demons tomorrow could be another one of those 'video only on their screens, rely on your phone for delayed livestream audio'.

Am I going to get better luck at a smaller venue?

Yes I can just watch it at home via 7mate or on my phone however with a non home viewing of the match, I feel more free to be vocal in my support. (or disappointment)

Submitted February 27, 2021 at 08:07AM by MrRedditUser5000 https://ift.tt/2NKJo23

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Favorite super car? 1. Ferrari 2. Lamborghini 3. Mclaren 🏎️

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SUP WORLDS!

Here we go another Supercar Science means another The7WG #1 Scammer Giveaway!

Please follow the rules below!!!!

1. Follow this subreddit "free"
2. Upvote this post "free"
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4. Smash the LIKE BUTTON ON THE GIVEAWAY video!

Video Link is Here: https://youtu.be/7kmsiv8StiQ

The video will go live "Feb 27th 2021" If you're here early congratulations make sure you checkout the video when it comes out.

Pretty Easy stuff.

Please make sure you're following this subreddit as I will be messaging the winner here in Reddit.

The Winner will get $20 in form of a Google Play or iOS giftcard

Please keep in mind the giftcards are bought in USA so you might have to change locations on your account to redeem the giftcard, if you leave outside of the USA. I've had people redeem giftcards in UK, France, Philippines, Mexico, India and more without any issues.

THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCE via video on March 7th 2021!

This giveaway is sponsor by The7WG Wallet!

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Favorite super car? 1. Ferrari 2. Lamborghini 3. Mclaren 🏎️

Submitted February 27, 2021 at 06:29AM by Fresh-Out_The_Oven https://ift.tt/2Msj5gu

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SUP WORLDS!

Here we go another Supercar Science means another The7WG #1 Scammer Giveaway!

Please follow the rules below!!!!

1. Follow this subreddit "free"
2. Upvote this post "free"
3. Comment what you use either iOS or Google Play and also comment what country you're from!
4. Smash the LIKE BUTTON ON THE GIVEAWAY video!

Video Link is Here: https://youtu.be/7kmsiv8StiQ

The video will go live "Feb 27th 2021" If you're here early congratulations make sure you checkout the video when it comes out.

Pretty Easy stuff.

Please make sure you're following this subreddit as I will be messaging the winner here in Reddit.

The Winner will get $20 in form of a Google Play or iOS giftcard

Please keep in mind the giftcards are bought in USA so you might have to change locations on your account to redeem the giftcard, if you leave outside of the USA. I've had people redeem giftcards in UK, France, Philippines, Mexico, India and more without any issues.

THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCE via video on March 7th 2021!

This giveaway is sponsor by The7WG Wallet!

Submitted February 27, 2021 at 05:24AM by The7WG https://ift.tt/3dO2j6L

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2021 Toyota Highlander XSE First Test: A Sheep in Sporty Clothing

Three-row SUVs are becoming so popular, automakers are adding new flavors to satisfy customer’s wants. The 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE is one such example, its XSE spec offering buyers the sportiest-looking version of Toyota’s three-row SUV. And while the XSE shares the same V-6 engine as the rest of the Highlander lineup, Toyota says it tunes the suspension and steering to deliver a sportier and more dynamic drive.

Make no mistake, this is no Ford Explorer ST fighter. And don’t even consider lining the Toyota up against the 475-hp Dodge Durango SRT (let alone the 710-hp Durango SRT Hellcat). The ST and Durango SRT models are true performance SUVs, while the 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE simply changes its styling, steering, and suspension tuning without losing its comfortable ride.

The XSE is priced between the luxury focused XLE and Limited in the Highlander’s lineup. Despite Toyota offering a hybrid engine in other XSE models (like the smaller RAV4 Prime), the Highlander XSE is only available with the 3.5-liter V-6. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is optional.

We spent a few days driving the updated Highlander XSE, and we even took it to the track to compare its performance.

The XSE Is In It for the Looks

This is the first time in its 20-year history the Highlander has worn an XSE badge or even tried for a sporty vibe. Starting with the face, the XSE gets a unique fascia, grille, and lower spoiler, and combined with the black air intakes integrated into the bumper and the front spoiler, you can quickly tell this Highlander is different. As always, some people will likely be huge fans of the design changes, while others will not.

Our Celestial Silver Metallic test model highlighted the changes, including the blackened headlights. From the profile view, the 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE gets 20-inch wheels with black accents that deliver a more athletic stance, and they match with the black mirror caps and black window frames. The sporty treatment continues in the rear with the first-ever dual exhaust tips on a Highlander. The black roof rails come standard, but the cargo cross bars that our model featured cost an extra $350.

All in all, the Highlander XSE looks more aggressive, and effectively ditches the softly upscale design of the rest of the Highlander lineup.

2021 Toyota Highlander XSE: The Cabin

Inside, the aesthetic changes are not as dramatic. The Highlander we tested came with black leatherette seats, but buyers can also choose red leather seats at no extra cost, which give the cabin an arguably hipper vibe. The only other change in the cabin is the addition of faux carbon-fiber trim that surrounds the 8.0-inch touchscreen. This design feature starts at the front passenger’s air vent near the A-pillar and continues all the way to the center of the dash, where it encompasses the entire area of the infotainment screen, center air vents, and climate controls.

While top Limited and Platinum models get a 12.0-inch screen, the XSE makes do with an 8.0-inch touchscreen. They’re all compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, and the smaller screen is easy to use and quick to master, thanks to the side buttons.

Every other design feature in the Highlander’s cabin stays in the XSE. We like the spacious and useable trays on the center stack and along the bottom of the dashboard, but we’re not huge fans of the center-console storage, which uses the wireless charger as a second lid that must be lifted in order to access the deep-ish compartment.

Like the Limited and Platinum trims, the 2021 Highlander XSE is only available as a seven-passenger SUV, which means buyers can’t get a bench seat for the second row. The captain’s chairs found there are comfortable, and there’s tons of legroom and headroom, but those travelling in the third row won’t have the same luck. Getting all the way into the back is a difficult task; whether you’re trying to squeeze in between the captain’s chairs or move the second-row seats forward, it’s a complicated process. And once you’re sitting in the third row, legroom is tight-tight-tight. As a guy who stands 6-foot 1, there’s no way I could travel in the third row except during an emergency; children will be more comfortable.

In terms of technology, the Highlander XSE comes with five USB ports and a wireless charger. The bad news is, none of those USB ports live near the third-row passengers; two of said ports are in the second row, while the other three are in the front center console; way-back passengers should bring along a long cord. We also wish the second-row ports were located higher and closer to the seats, as they’re near the floor on the center console. These issues are not exclusive to the XSE, and it’s something we’ve complained about in the past. While it’s understandable Toyota wasn’t going to make changes after one model year, we hope the expected mid-cycle refresh brings a better solution.

Does the Highlander XSE’s Sporty Setup Match the Sporty Looks?

Although things remain the same under the hood as in the rest of the Highlander lineup, 2021 XSE models get unique suspension and steering setups. Some of the changes Toyota engineers made to the suspension include expanding the anti-roll bar’s diameter by 1 mm, to 20 mm, and stiffening the spring rates by 18 percent.

During our drive on the freeway and city streets, it was hard to notice any big differences between the XSE and XLE. The last time we drove a Highlander was back in August during our SUV of the Year program, and we hope to soon get the XSE and an XLE at the same time for a back-to-back comparison.

But on its own, we have mixed feelings about the 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE. The 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque from the 3.5-liter V-6 engine feel adequate for an SUV of this size, and the eight-speed automatic transmission plays a bit with the gears to maximize fuel efficiency, but shifts are smooth. To our surprise, the XSE was a tad quicker on the skidpad and dragstrip than the XLE or Platinum trims. It took 6.8 seconds for the XSE to reach 60 mph (compared to 7.2 and 7.4 seconds for the XLE and Platinum, respectively) and 26.8 seconds at 0.64 g in the figure-eight test (in comparison to 27.4 at 0.63 g, and 27.7 seconds at 0.61 g). The XSE and XLE use the same model tires, except the XSE comes with 20-inch rims instead of 18s.

On the road, the suspension dissipates impacts quickly, but it falls short of delivering a sporty or spirited feeling. We know the Highlander is no Supra, and Toyota still wants the XSE to deliver a comfortable ride overall—and it does—but it lacks the spicy feeling we hoped to experience. Sport mode makes the steering and throttle mapping a bit more energetic, but—again—it was hard to notice any differences compared to the regular Highlander.

In our handling tests, road test editor Chris Walton noted dive and roll during braking and cornering.

So, Is the Toyota Highlander XSE Worth It?

All in all, it was hard to notice any big differences with the XSE’s ride and steering, but it’s a comfortable three-row SUV that families will appreciate. For those who think the Highlander’s design is a bit conservative but still want the reliability, value, and safety the overall lineup provides, the 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE offers a great alternative.

Starting at $42,680 for the front-wheel-drive XSE (all-wheel drive is optional), the sporty-looking Highlander gives buyers good bang for their buck. And with the 2021 Highlander adding Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (an involved suite of active safety features), drivers may feel less stressed about their surroundings.

We look forward to driving the Highlander XSE and XLE back-to-back in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.

2021 Toyota Highlander XSE Pros

• Distinctive exterior styling
• Standard captain’s chairs
• Comfortable ride

2021 Toyota Highlander XSE Cons

• Lack of sporty feel
• Cramped third row
• No USB ports for third row

2021 Toyota Highlander XSE AWD
BASE PRICE	$44,630
PRICE AS TESTED	$47,551
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, AWD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV
ENGINE	3.5L/295-hp/263-lb-ft Atkinson-cycle DOHC 24-valve V-6
TRANSMISSION	8-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	4,398 lb (55/45%)
WHEELBASE	112.2 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	197.4 x 76.0 x 68.1 in
0-60 MPH	6.8 sec
QUARTER MILE	15.4 sec @ 92.3 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	121 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.84 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	26.8 sec @ 0.64 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON	20/27/23 mpg
ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY	169/125 kWh/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB	0.86 lb/mile

The post 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE First Test: A Sheep in Sporty Clothing appeared first on MotorTrend.

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2021 Lexus LS500 First Test: Weird in a Good Way

“Who is this car for?” That’s what my buddy Mike asked as he looked around the 2021 Lexus LS500. Mike was in from out of town, tasked with housesitting a hilltop pad in ritzy Bel Air—a locale where luxury automobiles like the LS blend in. He likes cars, so I brought the big Lexus over for him to check out. It impressed Mike, but left him confused. Later, I drove home along sweeping Sunset Boulevard. As soothed as I was by the seat massager, that question still bounced around my head. Who is this car for?

We had similar uncertainty when the fifth-generation LS arrived for the 2018 model year. It fit the mold of a luxury full-size sedan, but its stiff ride, harsh powertrain, and snug back seats were atypical of that category. Simultaneously, its sport-sedan-like agility made us wonder if the LS was suffering from an identity crisis. What’s more, the touchpad infotainment interface was endlessly frustrating.

For 2021, Lexus gives the LS a refresh aimed at making it a more compelling flagship. In a rare opportunity, Lexus provided us with pre- and post-refresh models so we could compare the changes back to back. After a week in each and a trip to the track, I’m still not sure if I can answer Mike’s question. But this much is clear: The updated LS500 feels different.

What’s New With the 2021 LS500

First, a recap of the relevant 2021 updates. Not much changes outside. The signature spindle grille, now coated in a darker finish, still dominates the front end. It’s flanked by vents with a more rectangular shape, and headlights that now integrate the LED accent strip. Around back, the taillights swap chrome detailing for black trim. Inside, the seats and armrests gain thicker, plusher foam cushioning, but more noteworthy is the addition of a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen—more on that later.

Under the sheetmetal, the spring and damper rates are retuned, different anti-roll bars are installed, and the liquid-filled bushings become larger. Both of our review cars rode on the optional air suspension, which raises and lowers more quickly in the 2021 model. As before, the twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 produces 416 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, but the 10-speed automatic behind it gains new shift logic. Subtle as these changes may seem, they revealed themselves quite clearly.

How Quick Is the LS500?

Some may scoff knowing that the LS500 is equipped with a mere six-cylinder engine, but it delivers. Our rear-wheel-drive 2021 car’s zero-to-60-mph time fell to 5.0 seconds from the 5.3-second time we previously measured from a comparable model. Likewise, this LS did the quarter mile in 13.4 seconds at 106.0 mph, a blink ahead of the earlier 13.8-second, 102.8-mph sprint. (Side note: Acceleration was nearly identical in an all-wheel-drive LS500 we tested.) As engine output is unchanged, it’s possible that the gearbox revisions helped shave those tenths. Nevertheless, associate road test editor Erick Ayapana praised the powerplant, deeming it a “strong engine that launches hard.”

Indeed, on the road it gets the LS500 moving swiftly. Just off idle it doesn’t quite have the effortlessness of a V-8, but by 1,600 rpm full torque has arrived. Keep the pedal buried and the transmission’s new programming makes good use of the gearbox’s tightly spaced cogs. Where the 2020 LS hesitated to downshift, the 2021 readily drops gears and accentuates the engine’s power. Still, shifts aren’t invisible; the first-to-second upshift in particular can jerk slightly, especially when the drivetrain is cold.

Against the lively engine, the brakes feel tuned unapologetically for comfort. This being a luxury sedan that’s not necessarily an issue, but as before, the brake-by-wire system responds inconsistently. There isn’t great correlation between pedal pressure and actual stopping force. Nevertheless, stops are smooth. “Very smooth,” according to Ayapana (emphasis his). Its best 60-to-zero-mph braking result measured 118 feet, longer than the 110-foot stop we got in earlier testing. With no major changes made to the brakes in the refresh, the 2021 car’s different Bridgestone Turanza tires—now mud-and-snow-badged, and with a V speed rating instead of the faster Y—could be to blame for the discrepancy.

Chauffeur’s Delight

We’re not ones to complain when a car handles well. But the pre-refresh LS500’s reflexes and ride quality seemed incongruent with its luxurious mission. Although smooth, it rode with a pervasive coarseness, able to minimize but not erase road chatter. It struggled with larger imperfections, slamming loudly over drainage troughs and potholes. Odd, since it crossed speed bumps as if they were half as tall. For as accurate as its steering felt, it produced quite a bit of body roll. As I was constantly aware of the car’s length, rounding tight corners became a calculated exercise.

Not so in the 2021 model—this thing can boogie. Its slightly quicker turn-in and stronger resistance to lean yield improvements in confidence and control. The result? I can’t say it better than road test editor Chris Walton after his run on the figure-eight course: “Ha! I wasn’t expecting this to be so fun. Steering weight and precision is just right. I can dance it on the edge of over- and understeer and do a glorious controlled slide on corner exit. Whee!” Its result of 26.2 seconds at a 0.68-g average is close to the 26.3-second, 0.71-g average figure-eight lap we recorded from the pre-refresh LS500. Look, numbers don’t tell the whole story—from behind the wheel, the updated LS500 feels like a very different car. Expect the F Sport model to hone that edge further. One doesn’t typically think of the LS as a sport sedan, but now, if you drive it like one, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

What numbers also can’t communicate is that, despite the tighter handling, comfort is enhanced as well. The ride is calmer, and the cabin feels more insulated from impacts large or small. Fat cats in the back seat will enjoy near-zero gut jiggle and head toss. For the driver and passengers, the LS’s updated chassis is better all around.

Unusual, Awesome Interior

It feels like a smaller car, but the 2021 LS is the same size as before—which is to say, it could be a little bigger. Head- and legroom remain inexplicably tight for a car of this size, particularly in back. Heated, ventilated, reclining, and massaging rear seats aren’t as relaxing without space to sprawl. It’s better up front, as those thrones offer the same amenities and more adjustments. That new thicker cushioning is the first thing I noticed when I got inside. One plutocratic nitpick: The massage function switches off after 15 minutes. Lexus, my massage should end when I want it to, thank you very much.

Regardless of space or lack thereof, the interior décor is stunning. The layered trim and dramatic sculpting makes competitors’ cabins seem plain. How our test car’s gorgeous “Art Wood” veneer is produced is worth watching. Functional necessities are artfully crafted—check out the air vents integrated within the lines flowing across the dashboard, or the katana-shaped door handles. The upholstery below the gear selector might be the industry’s tiniest piece of leather. Wonderful details like these help the interior feel truly special.

High-Tech and Behind the Times

Less artful is the new infotainment setup, which at last adopts touchscreen functionality. At 12.3 inches, the display is no larger, but the experience is much improved compared to the previous touchpad-controlled system. No longer is it necessary to swipe endlessly to make a selection—just touch and go. However, its enclosure looks a bit tacked on, an adaptation needed to put it within reach. The trouble is the screen is so large its right side still requires a stretch to access. The touchpad remains, so at least there’s redundancy to work with. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard.

Some of the LS’s tech reminds how far things have come in a few short years. The digital gauge display looks small compared to what’s found in some new economy cars, and offers less functionality. An available head-up display behind it provides more information, albeit arranged in a confusing jumble. The driver-assistance suite isn’t as refined as newer systems; its lane-keep assist ping-pongs between the lines. Our test car’s digital rearview mirror helped, but oddly magnified the view behind. And a CD player is standard—need I say more? All this aside, the optional 23-speaker audio system is magnificent, drenching the cabin in layers of rich, immersive sound.

How Much Is a LS500?

Prices for the 2021 LS500 start at $77,025, and the grand total for our option-rich refreshed test vehicle came to $101,790. A palatial sum—but against the competition, a potential bargain. The Audi A8 starts at $87,545, and the BMW 7 Series at $87,795. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class commands—ready for this?—a whopping $110,850. With the Kia K900 now dead, only the $73,975 Genesis G90 is cheaper in the segment. Note that, besides the Benz, all of these vehicles are standard equipped with smaller, less-powerful six-cylinder engines than the LS500’s. If you’re willing to pay, though, they all do offer far more powerful engines, which the LS does not.

So, Who Is This Car For?

Sorry, Mike—I don’t have an answer for your question. Those who want a car to be driven in should try on something with more spacious rear seats. Others who seek a more involved driving experience have better options in the luxury midsize sedan category. The LS500 remains a quirky outlier stuck between those strata. But what I can tell you is this: Its 2021 refresh is a success. I came to liken the LS to a four-door gran turismo, a whimsical machine that’s a pleasure breezing down a motorway or winding through a scenic bypass. It’s not everything for everyone, but for a certain someone, it’s superb.

2021 Lexus LS500
BASE PRICE	$77,025
PRICE AS TESTED	$101,790
VEHICLE LAYOUT	Front-engine, RWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan
ENGINE	3.4L/416-hp/442-lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC 24-valve V-6
TRANSMISSION	10-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)	4,925 lb (52/48%)
WHEELBASE	123.0 in
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT	206.1 x 74.8 x 57.1 in
0-60 MPH	5.0 sec
QUARTER MILE	13.4 sec @ 106.0 mph
BRAKING, 60-0 MPH	118 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION	0.83 g (avg)
MT FIGURE EIGHT	26.2 sec @ 0.68 g (avg)
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON	18/29/22 mpg
ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY	187/116 kWh/100 miles
CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB	0.89 lb/mile

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February 26, 2021 at 07:06PM