Lexus Launches CT 200h in Japan

Lexus has added the new CT 200h dedicated hybrid model to its Japanese line-up in an attempt to boost flagging sales in its home market. The company's first entry in the premium-compact segment is also its cheapest offering with prices in Japan ranging from 3.55 million yen to 4.33 million yen (about US$42,600 to US$52,000).
Originally designed with European customers in mind, the CT 200h has also made its way to North America as well as China, with more countries to be added to the list. In the U.S., the CT 200h is priced from $29,120.
The five-door hatchback from Lexus features the same hybrid powertrain as the Prius mating a 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle combustion engine with an electric motor, nickel-metal-hydride battery and a generator. Lexus said that using the 10-15 test cycle of the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the CT 200h returned a fuel efficiency of 34 km/lt (equal to 79.9 mpg US or 2.9 lt/100km).
The company said it plans to sell around 1,500 units a month of the CT 200h in Japan.

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LFA Nürburgring Package

Don’t think that paying £343,000 for a Lexus LFA is enough? Then the Nürburgring Package, which makes its first public appearance at next month’s Geneva International Motor Show, will solve that particular problem.

Costing an astonishing £55,000, the Nürburgring Package has been developed to give the LFA a more track-orientated focus. A revised front splitter and rear spoiler add extra aerodynamic downforce, while tweaks to the suspension together with different wheels and tyres improve mechanical grip.



Oh, and the 4.8 litre V10 engine has received a barely perceptible increase from 552 bhp (412kW / 560PS) to 562 bhp (419 kW / 569 PS).



Out of the entire LFA production run of 500 cars, the Nürburgring Package will only be available on a maximum of fifty examples. Buyers can choose from black, white and orange paint colours or, if they have an extra £15,000 to get rid of, they might want to go for the matt black finish instead.



And that yet again highlights the trouble with the LFA. Yes, technically it is extremely advanced, but a price tag approaching £400,000 looks like a misprint when there are competitors such as the £171,468 Porsche 911 GT2 RS and the £305,626 Ferrari 599 GTO.

2011 Lexus Luxury Sport Sedan IS 350

2011 Lexus Luxury Sport Sedan IS 350

July 26, 2010 (TORONTO) – Lexus Canada invites guests to discover why the IS series luxury sport sedan delivers performance, luxury and a driving experience as only Lexus can deliver – with a choice of four models for 2011, including an all-new IS 350 with all-wheel-drive for remarkable driving confidence and poise in all weather and road conditions.

2011 Lexus Luxury Sport Sedan IS 350

Lexus is expanding choices in its popular IS sport sedan line for 2011, adding a 306-horsepower IS 350 all-wheel drive (AWD) model and offering a new Sport Package for the IS 250 rear-wheel drive (RWD). Revised front and rear styling details sharpen all IS models for 2011.  In addition, the IS sedans feature minor interior trim changes.

2011 Lexus Luxury Sport Sedan IS 350

Canadian drivers seeking a contemporary interpretation of the luxury sport sedan will love the performance, comfort and features of the IS 250 and IS 350 – and now, for the first time, Lexus is offering guests a choice of either model in rear-wheel-drive and in all-wheel-drive editions. The popular IS series also enjoys a fresh look this year, with updated styling cues and new options packages that add more performance and luxury across the IS series.

A new front grille and bumper distinguish the 2011 Lexus Luxury Sport Sedan IS 350, while at the rear, the models show a new taillamp cover and revised tailpipe design. New HID headlamps with LED daytime running lamps are standard on the 2011 Lexus Luxury Sport Sedan IS 350 and available for the IS 250. Keeping with Lexus’ attention to detail, the 2011 IS models feature new-design standard 17-inch and optional 18-inch wheels, along with revised exterior color choices.

The F-Sport Package available for the 2011 IS 250 and standard on the IS350 RWD takes inspiration from the IS F ultra-performance sedan, combining special suspension and steering tuning and 18-inch wheels with distinctive design touches. Giving the IS 250/350 F Sport Package model a sporty demeanor are a front lip spoiler and rear deck spoiler, plus the 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark super-chrome finish with matching dark-chrome front grille insert.

2011 Lexus Luxury Sport Sedan IS 350

Inside, special F Sport heated front seats feature a special microfiber insert and leather side bolsters to provide more grip for the driver and passenger during cornering. The package also adds F Sport badging to the steering wheel, shift knob and doorsill scuff plates.

Additional details for the 2011 Lexus IS series, including Canadian pricing, will be released closer to vehicle availability in Canadian Lexus dealerships.

About Lexus of Canada

Lexus in Canada is the exclusive Canadian and distributor of Lexus luxury cars and sport utility vehicles through a sales and service network of 34 dealers across Canada. An industry leader for product quality and ownership satisfaction, Lexus has sold over 130,000 vehicles in Canada. Delivering more perfect moments of advanced motoring, the best-selling Lexus RX 350 SUV – fusing intuitive technology and L-finesse luxury – is built for the North American market in Cambridge, Ontario, the first and only Lexus manufacturing facility located outside of Japan. For more information about Lexus products, and Lexus’ pursuit of perfection, visit www.media.lexus.ca.

Styling Program for Lexus LS460 by WALD

Japanese tuners Wald are now taking orders for their new kit for the 2010 Lexus LS460 facelift. The car with the styling mods debuted in January at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2010.

Engineers designed a sportier package for the facelifted model than their previous kit. It includes a blacked-out grille ringed in chrome, an aggressive front bumper, and new sidesills. A new diffuser surrounds the dual tailpipes, like the previous Wald kit, but this package has a more squared-off bumper.

The company does not plan to stop here. An e-mail sent to us from the tuner says they are working on a package capable of fitting the LS Hybrid.

Delivery of the Wald Lexus LS460 package will begin in mid-March. The package is also available through select Lexus Japan dealers.

2010 Lexus Sports Cars LFA N2410 at Nürburgring 24h race

Lexus and Gazoo Racing compete together at Nürburgring 24h race for the beneft of LFA and other future Toyota & Lexus products. Playing a key role in helping to finalise the development of the LFA before it enters production in December, the grueling 24h race offers Lexus and Gazoo Racing the unique opportunity to not only foster the peerless quality, durability and reliability by pushing cutting-edge technology to the extremes of mechanical endurance but also to hone the technical skills of the personnel involved in the development of future Lexus and Toyota production vehicles.

2010 Lexus Sports Cars LFA N2410

Furthermore, by participating in the 24 Hours Endurance Race Lexus and Toyota aim to showcase their dedication through Gazoo Racing to produce more emotional cars and becoming more attractive and desirable to a wider range of customers.

This year’s race marks the third consecutive entry of the Lexus LFA and, signifcantly, the frst participation of the car in standard production guise.

Competing in the SP8 (‘Near production’) class, the race version of the LFA does not differ substantially from the road car, particularly with regard to construction, engine and transmission. Mandatory safety equipment has been installed and other modifcations such as a refned aero package including a fxed rear wing and a larger fuel tank are made to refect the format of the 24h race and the Nürburgring circuit.

Led by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC)’s master test driver Hiromu Naruse, the Gazoo Racing team will make its fourth appearance at the Nürburging 24h race. It is a team comprised of engineers and technicians from TMC, and, whilst they’ve regularly come together over recent months to support the LFA in the build-up to the 24h race, their ‘day-jobs’ are within the TMC engineering community.This kind of virtual organisation ensures that the collective learning is transmitted directly back into the core of the engineering activity.

The driver line-up includes four Japanese and three German pilots with outstanding endurance and GT racing credentials, including three champions from the Japanese Super GT series. As part of the preparation of the cars and the drivers, Gazoo Racing entered the first three VLN races of 2010.

Consistently fnishing in leading positions in its SP8 class, the LFA has also demonstrated its competitiveness against track-prepared specialist racing cars, with a best fnish of 17th overall in VLN2.

The future's electric

Well it is according to the UK Government’s Department of Transport. It has launched, via the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), a scheme to help with the purchase of electric cars.



The Plug-in Car Grant will cover up to 25% of the vehicle’s price, to a maximum of £5,000, and it’ll be available to both private and business users.



Application of the subsidy is going to work in a similar way to the scrappage scheme: the dealer will simply deduct it from the invoice when the car is bought. No form-filling needed to retrospectively claim the cash.



£230 million has been set aside, so that’s a potential 46,000 electric cars.



The money is due to be available from January 2011, but the rules are strict. Cars will have to fit into one of three categories to qualify:



1. All-electric (electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery)

2. Plug-in hybrid (powered by both mains-rechargeable batteries and an internal combustion engine)

3. Hydrogen fuel cell powered



That means there’s no point in rushing out to your Lexus dealer to order that hybrid RX 450h. You can’t plug it into the mains, so it’s not eligible.

Neither, for the same reason, is the environmentalists’ favourite, the Toyota Prius.

Does that mean that the UK’s most popular plug-in electric vehicle, the Reva G-Wiz, will have OLEV’s cash all to itself? Er, no… it’s not eligible either because it’s classed as a quadricycle, not a car.

Even if the G-Wiz was a car, its performance would rule it out. OLEV is also stipulating that eligible all-electric cars must have a range of at least 70 miles (113 km), and be able to hit 60 mph (96 kph). The G-Wiz fails on both counts, running out of charge at 48 miles and only managing 50 mph flat out.



So that might not leave too much choice. One possible contender is the City from Norwegian firm Think. It has a range of 112 miles (180 km), and can just achieve the magic 60 mph top speed. Like all manufacturers though, Think will first have to apply to the government before being considered for the scheme.

The Nissan Leaf, due for a European launch at the end of this year, could be a major player. Nissan’s Sunderland facility is in the running to build it, and that will be an important factor for some UK consumers when choosing an electric car.

Chevrolet is also scheduled to launch its plug-in hybrid Volt towards the end of 2010, albeit only in North America. UK sales of the right-hand-drive Vauxhall version, the Ampera, won’t however begin until 2012.

Of course, electric cars aren’t much good if they can’t be recharged. To address this, the government has also earmarked £30 million for 11,000 Plugged In Places - or public recharging points in plain English. The only trouble is that these will be restricted initially to London, Milton Keynes and the North East, with only 2,500 being installed in the first year.



Assuming you’ve found an eligible car, and there’s somewhere to recharge the thing, is it really going to be green? It’s the thorny issue of where all that electricity actually comes from.



In the UK, around a third of electricity is generated from coal, with over 40% coming from natural gas. That means roughly only a quarter is produced from non-fossil fuel sources, the bulk of that being nuclear. Only 6% currently comes from renewables.



Nevertheless, the government reckons that all-in-all, an electric car will be responsible for 40% less CO2 than a normal car. But even so, more electric cars won’t significantly reduce the country’s dependence on dwindling fossil fuel stocks, most of which are imported.



In time, achieving the two symbiotic goals of energy self-reliance and true zero emissions vehicles will probably have to mean increased renewables as well as more nuclear power. And the latter is as unpalatable to some as greenhouse gases.



Assuming the Plug-in Car Grant is successful (and who knows whether it’ll survive a potential change in government after this year’s general election) expect a new road safety campaign to be launched shortly afterwards. Otherwise, there’s going to be a lot of people getting run over by all those silent cars.

Cadillac back in Europe

Cadillac is planning a return to Europe, after previous Dutch-based importer Kroymans got into financial difficulties following a collapse in demand for new and used cars.



GM Europe is doing it in-house this time around, though.  A new organisation, Cadillac Europe, has just been set up to take care of importation, distribution and marketing.  It will operate only in key markets, but those markets have yet to be revealed.



The range is to be presented at March’s Geneva International Motor Show.  The striking CTS Sport Sedan, familiar from the Kroymans era, will be the core model.

It will be joined by the distinctive CTS Coupe.  This brand new model is due to begin sales in North America this summer, with a European on-sale date scheduled for the autumn.  Both Sedan and Coupe will be available in high performance CTS-V specification, powered by a 556 bhp 6.2 litre V8.

The third member of the CTS family is the Sport Wagon, which is expected to cross the Atlantic in time for the 2011 model year.

Environmentalists will be delighted that the Escalade Hybrid is to also make it to Geneva.  Powered by an electric motor as well as its 6.0 litre petrol V8, Cadillac is claiming its Two-Mode Hybrid System reduces fuel consumption by 40%.



Sounds great, although the standard vehicle’s thirst for fuel should mean that even after such a big improvement economy will still be relatively terrible.  It’s doubtful that G-Wiz owners will rush to trade-in.

So what are Cadillac’s chances of success in Europe?  Stating the obvious, its big challenge is to persuade buyers out of the established competition.  For instance, how readily are drivers going to swap their Jaguar XF, BMW 5 Series or Lexus GS for a CTS?



Some will certainly value the exclusivity that comes with a low volume brand.  The driving experience of the CTS shouldn’t be too bad, helped by it having either rear or all-wheel drive, and equipment levels will doubtless continue to be attractively generous.



But three key issues could mean Cadillac struggles.

 

The first concern is how to avoid catastrophic depreciation.  Unchecked, residual-based leasing costs will be totally uncompetitive, putting most business users off pronto.  During its earlier forays, Cadillac’s resale values didn’t have the best reputation in the UK market.  This is ably demonstrated by a UK franchised dealer currently trying to offload a CTS 2.8 V6 Sport Luxury with only 25 miles on its odometer.  The asking price?  Just under £20,000.



The second problem is the lack of a diesel CTS, a critical omission in the European market.



The third matter is more subjective: image.  Cadillac has always been a bit of a mystery for Europeans, with perceptions of a typical owner usually focussed on two extremes - the octogenarian retiree bumbling about in Florida, and the pimp using his car for business purposes.  Neither is particularly appealing.



All hurdles that mean it’s somewhat ironic that GM is now trying to establish a luxury brand in Europe, given it is still in the throes of disposing of Saab.  At least it’ll have plenty of mistakes to learn from.

Lexus LS460 by Lorinser

Tuners at the German firm Lorinser are best known for their work on the Mercedes-Benz lineup. The company has pretty much hit every modern Mercedes, from A to SLK, including the Viano. Two years ago, they ventured a little further out, giving a nice bit of work to the Smart Cars.

Now the company has set their sites on their first ever Asian adaptation. Meet the Lorinser Lexus LS 460, with a new aerokit meant to give the big, five-meter long car "elegant bodywark that exudes confidence."

Engineers first subtly attacked the front fascia with a new spoiler that incorporates new, round foglights. The front bumper also appears to be a bit more squared off, giving the car a more stately appearance. Side sill changes are substantial, but not aggressive, and warn onlookers that the car has some power under its hood.

Modifications at the back are a bit more noticeable, although Lorinser kept the 460's rear light cluster intact. A rear wing has been added on to the boot, and a new apron has been installed. These show more sporty characteristics, as the apron incorporates an air inlet, race-inspired grill, and quad-tipped dual exhaust. The package is rounded off with custom made light-alloys.

Despite making all of these changes, the Lorinser Lexus LS 460 has a relatively unchanged 0-100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds. Power comes from a 4.6-liter V8 engine that produces 381 horsepower. Although not yet on their website, the Lorinser LS 460 should be available from the company in no time.

2010 SC 430 Lexus Sports Car powered by an aluminum DOHC 4.3-liter V8 engine.

2010 Lexus SC 430 Sports Car

The pioneer of the retractable hardtop in the prestige luxury segment, Lexus adds interior technology and exterior enhancements to the 2010 Lexus SC 430.

The Lexus SC 430's V8 is the epitome of Lexus smoothness and graceful response. Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) enhances torque over a broad speed range. The Intuitive Powertrain Control works with the Electronic Throttle Control to help smooth out acceleration from a standing start. The Lexus SC 430 meets Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) certification.

To build on the driving experience, the 2010 SC is now equipped with an updated Lexus Navigation System and Mark Levinson® Premium Audio System. The enhanced audio package now features iPod®/USB connectivity, auxiliary audio input, Bluetooth® hands free phone and music streaming capabilities, and an available XM® satellite radio receiver (complimentary 90-day trial subscription).

2010 Lexus SC 430 Sports Car

The rear-wheel-drive Lexus SC 430 is powered by an aluminum double-overhead cam (DOHC) 4.3-liter V8 engine that produces 288 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of peak torque. Power is channeled through a six-speed automatic transmission, enabling the Lexus SC 430 to accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.8 seconds.
The six-speed automatic transmission employs Shift Logic Control to respond to road grade and acceleration/deceleration activity, holding gears or downshifting on hills to help provide optimal engine power or a braking effect. A manual sequential-shift feature allows the driver to enjoy a more involved driving experience when desired.The 53/47 weight distribution helps deliver optimal balance for confident steering response and impressive agility, aided by standard 18-inch six-spoke wheels with 245/40R18 Z-rated tires. All-season or summer run-flat tires are available as an option.The Lexus SC 430 matches its performance capability with the brand's renowned attention to safety and security.

2010 Lexus SC 430 Sports Car

An array of dynamic electronic features help contribute to safe, precise handling in the Lexus SC 430: a four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); Brake Assist (BA) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC). EBD monitors all four wheels during braking and varies brake pressure according to the load on each wheel.VSC helps control lateral traction while cornering on slippery or dry road surfaces by using a combination of throttle intervention and applying individual wheel braking to help control any discrepancy between where the driver is steering and where the vehicle is heading.The Lexus SC 430 was among the first Lexus models to offer the advanced Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) that helps to enhance nighttime visibility in turns and curves.

Advanced climate-control system is specifically designed for a convertible environment. The system adjusts airflow and temperature automatically, differentiating between top-up and top-down driving needs and taking into account the outside temperature to help ensure occupant comfort.

2010 Lexus SC 430 Sports Car

XM NavTraffic® and XM NavWeather™ services are also available (complimentary 90-day trial subscription). XM NavTraffic informs the driver of current traffic conditions with real-time traffic displays. When traffic problems are detected the navigation system alerts the driver so that the route can be adjusted. XM NavWeather provides near real-time weather conditions as well as spoken and nav-screen forecasts, both based on official National Weather Service data.
The Lexus SC 430 brings classic luxury, performance and high technology together in an elegantly styled hardtop convertible. With the push of a button, the retractable hardtop transforms the Lexus SC 430 from a sleek coupe into an elegant convertible in 25 seconds.

The Lexus SC 430's ultra-luxurious interior, with its plush combination of natural materials including leather and wood trim, took inspiration from high-end, custom-made yachts. Semi-aniline leather trims not only the seats but also the door armrests, console cover, and front seat-belt guides. This hand-stitched leather trim is available in three colors, including black, Camel and Ecru.

Lexus Premium Compact Concept Car Demonstrate a mix of technical innovation and ground-breaking design.

Lexus Premium Compact

Lexus Premium Compact Concept Car Demonstrate a mix of technical innovation and ground-breaking design.
Lexus said in a statement,“The concept will demonstrate a mix of technical innovation and ground-breaking design that promises to raise the bar in the premium compact segment.”
Lexus has just released the first teaser with a tiny press release detailing which hall the concept will make its debut next month at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Rumors suggest that the 5-door hatchback will be powered by the same hybrid drivetrain from the 2010 Lexus HS 250h, which produces a total of 187-hp from a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine.
LEXUS TO REVEAL PREMIUM COMPACT CONCEPT AT FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW
Official sketch gives first indication of design direction
Concept to demonstrate key Lexus strengths in a compact package
Lexus has unveiled the first official sketch of a concept car that will be presented at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA).
The concept will demonstrate a mix of technical innovation and ground-breaking design that promises to raise the bar in the premium compact segment.
The Lexus press conference at the IAA is scheduled for 15:45 on 15 September at Stand C11 in Hall 8.

2011 Lexus LFA V10 engine Super Sport Car

Lexus LFA Super Sport Car

Power for the rear-wheel-drive Lexus LFA, which is constructed using advanced carbon fiber technology, comes from a mid-front mounted 4.8L V10 engine that red lines at 9,000 rpm and makes 552-hp with a maximum torque of 354 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox, the LFA goes from 0-62 mph in just 3.7 seconds (0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds) with a top speed of 202 mph.

Lexus LFA Super Sport Car

Lexus has finally taken the wraps of its new exclusive supercar – the 2011 Lexus LFA. “The LFA is a thoroughbred supercar, a machine engineered to achieve a single goal – to deliver a supreme driving experience,” said Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi.
The Lexus LFA coupe will be produced at the Motomachi plant in Toyota City. Toyota will make just 500 examples at rate of 20 units per month “to ensure the finest build quality and attention to detail.”
The UK launch price for the LFA is €368,000 (approximately £336,000).