LEXUS CT 200H F SPORT CONCEPT

Lexus CT 200h

How do you take a fun to drive sporty five-door premium compact hybrid that has a combined EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 42 mpg to the next level? Build a CT 200h F Sport Concept. Although this vehicle is just a concept, it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Highlights

• F Sport 18x8.0-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli PZero Nero 225/40R/18 front and rear

• F Sport high performance Big Brake Kit – Front with 12.9 x 1.1-inch cross-drilled rotor

• F Sport performance adjustable suspension and adjustable dampening shocks

VIDEO: C&D Pits Lexus LFA Against Ferrari 599 HGTE

In 1971, one of the greatest one-on-one boxing matches took place in New York's Madison Square Garden: the bout between Mohammed Ali and Joe Frazier. So big was this event, advertisers dubbed it, 'The Fight of the Century'. Now, two different contenders take to the ring (uh...tarmac). The reigning champion: the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano HGTE. The challenger: the Lexus LFA. Video after the jump.

One is a purebred, Italian racehorse with decades of motor racing heritage under its belt. The other is the new kid on the block: the young hood with its 'doof doof' music and unshakable will to win.

So maybe I went a bit too far with the boxing analogy...

The real scoop here is U.S. magazine Car and Driver putting the V12-powered 599 GTB HGTE and V10-powered LFA through their paces on the narrow, sodden backroads of Wales. Technical editor Michael Austin is behind the wheel of the Ferrari while executive editor Mark Gillies is in the Lexus. Their goal: to find out which of these two, similarly priced front engined, rear-wheel-drive GTs is the best?

Watch the video and decide for yourselves.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: C&D

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New Toyota Recall, this time for Toyota Avalon and Highlander, and Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350

Toyota has announced a voluntary recall of some 740,000 vehicles in the United States to address a potential leak problem with a seal in the brake master cylinder. The models that are being recalled in the U.S. are the 2005-2006MY Toyota Avalon, 2004-2006MY Highlander (non Hybrid) and Lexus RX330, and 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350. Another 600,898 vehicles were recalled in Japan and approximately 200,000 in China for the same issue.

According to the company, there's a possibility that a small amount of the brake fluid could slowly leak from the brake master cylinder, resulting in illumination of the brake warning lamp.

"If the brake warning lamp has illuminated and the vehicle continues to be operated without refilling the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir, the driver will begin to notice a spongy or soft brake pedal feel and braking performance may gradually decline," said the automaker.

Toyota said it will begin notifying owners of the involved vehicles through mail beginning in early November 2010. As with all recalls, Toyota and Lexus dealers will replace the brake master cylinder cup with a newly designed free of charge.

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Lexus Hybrid Cars

Lexus IS F Sports Sedan

Lexus released the 2008 Lexus IS F sports sedan, a luxury sport car. The Lexus IS F is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine developing 416 hp at 6,600 rpm and 371 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,200 rpm. The Lexus IS F has a top speed of 170 mph and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. A 1/4 Mile Acceleration (manuf. results) takes 13.0 sec.

Tokyo Auto Salon - Lexus IS-F Circuit Club Sport Concepts Debuts

Here are a few snapshots of the Lexus IS F CCS (Circuit Club Sport) Concept car which was on display at the Tokyo auto salon this past weekend.

Dressed in a vibrant contrast of orange and black, the IS F CCS goes heavy on the carbon fiber. Or should we say "light". Much of the body has been rendered so, including the roof, rear wing and diffuser, front spoiler lip, the hood as well as the side mirrors. The interior also gets a do-over in carbon fiber, such as the center and lower consoles, gear stick, steering wheel trim and door panels. The IS F CCS is also fitted with two-tone bucket seats.

The weight reduction helps boost the performance of this 5.0 liter V8 enabled Lexus. That engines produces 423 hp in its Japanese market iteration. Additional performance enhancement comes by way of forged magnesium wheels wrapped in performance tires, carbon brake disks, sports suspension and a sport exhaust system with a titanium muffler.

But weight and track time figures Lexus has not yet provide. Nor, for that matter, is there any news on what Lexus plans, if anything, to do in the future with this concept.

2010 Lexus IS 250C.

MSRP: $38,490 - $39,660


luxury convertible,” according to Autoblog, and it features what Lexus calls “the world’s fastest opening three-piece metal hardtop.” Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com contain muted reaction to the new 2010 Lexus IS C’s exterior appearance; Motor Trend says “you’ll recognize the C as a member of the IS family, yet every body panel save the hood is new.” Exterior styling elements on the Lexus IS 250C and 350C include “a rising belt line that leads back to an elongated rear decklid,” which Kelley Blue Book asserts “improves trunk space but results in a vehicle that is actually longer than its sedan counterpart.” Car and Driver reviewers observe that the 2010 Lexus IS C “varies not a nanometer from the established Lexus path,” as the overall look suggest a “sedan that has met the hacksaw.” Edmunds effectively summarizes reviewer sentiment regarding the Lexus IS C, noting “it’s attractive enough in an inoffensive way, but you wouldn’t say that it has any real strength of character.”

Lexus IS F-Sport Package Releases for UK

Lexus announced today the launch of the Lexus IS F Sport in UK. The Lexus IS F Sport is inspired by the IS F high performance model and will be available for both the IS 250 and the 220d models.


The F-Sport package will cost UK consumers £3,940 over the price of the base IS 220d SE, and £4,080 above the IS 250 SE automatic.


The Lexus IS F Sport in UK includes a lowered suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, a boot lid spoiler, sports seats, steering wheel and aluminum pedals and Alcantara and leather upholstery. The Lexus IS F Sport also comes with a interior black headlining, rain-sensing wipers and HID headlights with AFS.


Other equipment seen on the IS F-Sport units include HID headlights, front seat position memory, door mirror memory, and a 13-speaker premium audio system. You can read more about the F-Sport package and the 2010 Lexus IS series in the press release below.


More Photos

Press Release

New grade at the heart of changes for the new model year

KEY POINTS

• Improvements across the Lexus IS range for 2010 model year
• Introduction of new F-Sport grade, inspired by the
  ultra-high-performance IS F
  
  
  
  • Lowered suspension (IS 250 only)
  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Bootlid spoiler
  • Sports seats, steering wheel and aluminium pedals
  • Alcantara and leather upholstery


• New HDD navigation system
• New DAB-ready audio system featuring USB connectivity and Bluetooth
• 17-inch alloy wheels now standard feature on IS 250 SE and IS 220d
  SE
• Improvement in fuel consumption and emissions performance
• Revised range on sale now, on-the-road prices from £24,350

Sharper looks and new high-tech on-board features are central to Lexus's
revision of its best-selling IS sports saloon for 2010.

Inspired by the ultra-high-performance IS F, the IS range has been
extended with a new F-Sport grade that focuses on highly desirable sports
styling features.

New F-Sport grade

The new F-Sport grade, available for both IS 250 and 220d models, takes its
cue from the high impact styling of the IS F and is positioned in the IS
line-up between the established SE-I and SE-L models.

The dedicated F-Sport exterior features include lowered suspension (IS
250 only), exclusive 18-inch wheels and an IS F-style front grille and rear
bootlid spoiler. In the cabin there are aluminium sports pedals, IS F-style
sports seats, steering wheel and (on the IS 250 automatic) gear lever. The
seats are finished in a combination of Alcantara upholstery with leather
side bolsters.

A black-on-black interior colour scheme is complimented by a black
headlining and grey stitching detail on the front seats and steering wheel.

F-Sport models share a number of premium equipment features with SE-L
grade, including rain-sensing wipers, HID headlights with AFS, 13-speaker
audio system and memory settings for the front seats and door mirrors.

Navigation and audio systems

Lexus has developed one of the most accurate and fast-responding
navigation systems on the market. Using a 40GB hard disc drive (HDD), it
provides Europe-wide coverage and is able to gather live local traffic
intelligence in each country to help plot the most efficient route, wherever
you may be.

A further benefit of the HDD system is its "sound library" function. Up
to 10GB of disc space is available for owners to store audio tracks from CD
- room enough for about 2,000 songs.

The touch-screen, full-map system is available as an option on SE and
SE-I models as part of package that also includes a rear park assist
monitor.

For F-Sport and SE-L versions of IS, it is included in the optional
Multimedia Package, together with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson Premium
Surround Sound System and the rear park assist monitor.

All Lexus IS audio systems can be upgraded to receive DAB digital
broadcasts and are equipped as standard with USB and audio jack plug
connection for fully controlled use of portable music players, and Bluetooth
with an audio streaming function.

The Mark Levinson audio package now features a "sound library" function,
using the navigation system's HDD to transfer and store music files from CD
up to 10GB capacity.

Larger wheels for SE grade

Lexus IS 250 SE and 220d SE have been given more street appeal for 2010 with
10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels fitted as standard, in place of the previous
16-inch rims.

Improved fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions

The revisions made to the IS 250 for the 2010 model year have yielded
improvements in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. With manual
transmission, combined cycle economy is now 29.1mpg, compared to 28.8mpg for
the 2009 model; the new figure for the automatic is 31.7mpg (from 31.0mpg).
CO2 emissions have fallen from 231 to 227g/km for the manual and 214 to
209g/km for the automatic.

Lexus IS prices, insurance and VE

MODEL	OTR PRICE	INSURANCE 50 group	VED BAND
IS 220d SE	£24,350	27	F
IS 250 SE manual	£24,625	29	L
IS 250 SE automatic	£25,285	29	K
IS 220d SE-I	£26,610	28	F
IS 250 SE-I manual	£26,885	29	L
IS 250 SE-I automatic	£27,545	29	K
IS 220d F-Sport	£28.290	TBA	F
IS 250 F-Sport automatic	£29,365	TBA	K
IS 220d SE-L	£29,075	29	F
IS 250 SE-L automatic	£30.150	30	K

Option prices

HDD navigation	£2,350
Multimedia package	£3,120
ACC/PCS (250 SE-L only)	£2,640
DAB audio	£360
18-inch Hoshi wheels	£1,425
18-inch Baransu wheels	£1,425
18-inch Tsuki wheels	£1,550
Metallic/mica paint	£595

Official: Lexus CT 200h

The new Lexus CT 200h is the first full hybrid vehicle to be launched in the premium compact segment. Entering production in late 2010 and set for sale worldwide, the full hybrid model will provide a new gateway to the Lexus range and attract new, younger customers to the brand.

The CT 200h was designed and developed with the European market in mind. Lexus's first five-door compact car, its size, packaging, full hybrid technology and low emissions fully address the requirements of discerning, environment-conscious customers in a key market sector. At the same time, it does not compromise the quality, refinement and driving pleasure that are the hallmarks of every Lexus.

KEY POINTS

• Lexus's first premium compact model
• Lexus Hybrid Drive powertrain with 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine and powerful but compact electric motor
• Full hybrid system with selectable EV mode for emissions-free electric running
• Further selectable ECO, NORMAL and SPORT driving modes
• ECVT intelligent electronic continuously variable transmission
• Expected to deliver class-leading CO2 emissions
• Significantly lower NOx emissions than equivalent diesel engines and almost no particulates
• Long, 2,600mm wheelbase ensures excellent accommodation for everyone on board
• Debut at Geneva motor show prior to worldwide sales launch in late 2010

Exterior and interior design

The production-ready CT 200h retains strong visual links to the LF-Ch concept Lexus unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show. Its styling marks a powerful evolution of Lexus's L-finesse design philosophy with a distinctive, sharp-edged look that sets it apart from its premium compact rivals.

The exterior is styled for maximum aerodynamic efficiency and minimum wind noise. The strong front grille, directly referencing the LF-Ch concept sits over a full-width bumper and air dam. The headlamp units, positioned higher than the grille (a signature feature of L-finesse design), incorporate LED daytime running lights.

In profile, the steeply raked windscreen, long, flowing roofline and Lexus slingshot window graphic combine to create an elegant and distinctive silhouette. The front and rear corners have been pulled in tight and the wings are styled to improve airflow down the sides of the vehicle.

At the rear, the trailing edge of the roof overhangs a wide, wraparound rear window to create a seamless, integrated spoiler. A pronounced step in the tailgate section flows from the shoulders of the rear wheelarches and is anchored by a tail lamp design that displays the L-shaped motif that Lexus first introduced on the current LS model.

The interior combines superior ergonomics with extensive use of metallic finishes and dark, soft-touch surfaces.

Lexus has retained the asymmetrical dashboard design seen in the LF-Ch show car. Based on the Future Lexus Interior concept, the dashboard is split into an upper Display Zone, with an eight-inch LCD multi-display screen; and a lower Operation Zone, with the shift lever and other controls such as Lexus's Remote Touch multi-function controller.

In keeping with the car's performance, the driving position is set low, with a highly supportive driver's seat. The instrument binnacle houses large, twin dials; in SPORT mode, the hybrid indicator in the binnacle functions as a tachometer and the ambient lighting turns from blue to red. The two-mode switch ring and a spotlight in the centre cluster also light up in red, changing the whole atmosphere of the cabin.

In spite of its compact, efficient design, the CT 200h offers a roomy interior. The 2,600mm wheelbase allows for front and rear passenger accommodation that is among the most spacious in the segment. Luggage capacity is 345 litres, increasing to 700 litres with the rear seats lowered.


Lexus Hybrid Drive

The Lexus Hybrid Drive system in the CT 200h combines a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine with a powerful electric motor. Drivers have the choice of four selectable drive modes: ECO and NORMAL place the emphasis on efficiency and comfort, while SPORT focuses on dynamic performance.

Unlike mild hybrid systems used by other manufacturers, the CT 200h also has an EV (electric vehicle) mode that allows for ultra-quiet running on the electric motor alone, resulting in zero fuel consumption and CO2, NOx and particulate emissions. The car is capable of running in EV mode for up to 1.2 miles at speeds up to 28mph.


Chassis and suspension

The CT 200h is built on a new platform with a dedicated double wishbone and trailing arm rear suspension system. It has been developed specifically to combine the ride comfort expected of a Lexus with superior driving involvement and handling agility.

Several elements in the MacPherson strut design have been exclusively developed for the mode, including the coil springs and shock absorbers, and a new front anti-roll bar has been designed to deliver improved roll rigidity.

The double wishbone rear suspension is exclusive to the CT 200h and incorporates a lightweight trailing arm. The springs and shocks are positioned separately to minimise intrusion into the loadspace floor.
Source: Lexus;More Photos

WORLD DEBUT FOR LEXUS CT 200h AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

KEY POINTS

* World-first appearance of the Lexus CT 200h
* First and only full hybrid model in the premium compact segment
* New gateway model to progressive luxury and the Lexus brand

Six months after revealing the LF-Ch concept, Lexus is set to unveil its new CT 200h model at the Geneva motor show.


Created for motorists who want to lower their emissions, but not their standards, the CT 200h will be the first full hybrid vehicle in the premium compact segment. It will offer new levels of refinement, sophistication and attention to detail, without compromising style or driving pleasure.


Equipped with second-generation Lexus Hybrid Drive technology, the CT 200h reinforces Lexus's hybrid power leadership in the premium market, joining the established RX 450h, GS 450h and LS 600h models to create an unprecedented range of full hybrid vehicles.


The critically acclaimed Lexus LFA supercar will also be on show at Geneva, just ahead of the initial order period for the model coming to a close.

Andy Pfeiffenberger, Vice President Lexus Europe, will host a press conference on Stand 4211 in Hall 4 at 4.45pm on 2 March.
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WALD Latest Styling Program for Lexus LS460 Facelift

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.
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2010 Lexus GX460

2010 Lexus GX460 Front Angle View

2010 Lexus GX460 Car Wallpaper

2010 Lexus GX460 Steering Wheel

2010 Lexus GX460 Side View

2010 Lexus GX460 Luxury Car

2010 Lexus GX460 Interior

2010 Lexus GX460 Car Picture

2010 Lexus GX460 Rear Angle View

2010 Lexus GX460 Photo