– Lexus will add a pair of limited-edition packages to its lineup this spring, a GS300 SportDesign and an RX300 Coach Edition. The GS300 SportDesign, a $4,050 package, includes a Euro-tuned sport suspension, upgraded 225/60R16 tires on polished alloy wheels and perforated leather-trimmed seats. Only 3,300 will be sold. The RX300 Coach Edition features perforated leather-trimmed seats; Bird’s Eye Maple wood trim on the console, steering wheel and shift knob; a honeycomb grille; monochromatic body cladding; and 16-inch alloy wheels. The package costs $2,830, and 6,000 will be sold. Buyers will receive a black Coach Hamptons Cabin Bag and a Coach Signature Demi-Pouch handbag as a gift with the purchase.
– The 2003 Land Rover Discovery, which goes on sale this summer at prices to be announced, will get a stronger V-8 engine and fresh front styling. The front styling resembles that of the new Range Rover, and the 4.6-liter, 217-horsepower V-8 comes from the old Range Rover. The 4.6-liter replaces a 4-liter V-8 with 188 h.p.
– Land Rover has priced the redesigned 2003 Range Rover at $69,995, including the $665 destination charge. The price is $1,330 higher than the 2002 model and includes free scheduled maintenance in the four-year/50,000-mile warranty. The ’03 Range Rover, which was designed by BMW before Ford bought Land Rover, goes on sale in June with a 4.4-liter BMW V-8.
– Lincoln is teaming with Detroit-based McLaren Performance Technologies to produce hot-rod versions of the LS sedan. McLaren will roll out three packages this year and sell them through Lincoln dealers who sign on for the program. The first will be a $5,000 package with engine enhancements and performance wheels and tires. In the fall, a $12,000 package is due with a supercharger that adds 100 horsepower (to 350) to the LS’s 3.9-liter, V-8 and suspension and brake upgrades. Before year-end, a $6,000 six-speed manual transmission will be available.
