The New CT200h gets F'd

Lexus has decided to release the new CT200h with a variety of accessories including F-Sport Tuning parts. Besides the F-Sport sway bar set, lowering springs and what looks like mirror covers, here are some other items you will see available. Check out the European commercial video to get a feel what Lexus is going for. I am not sure what the deal was in the beginning of it with the odd magazine quotes. You make your decision and let me know.

17″ Alloy Wheels (directly inspired by the LF-Ch concept)
All-weather cargo mat
Body-Side Molding (the Lexus chrome stripe)
Car Cover
Cargo net-envelope
Carpet cargo mat
Exhaust tip
First Aid kit
Glass breakage sensor
Illuminated door sills
Lexus Hybrid Drive window sticker
Paint protection film
Premium carpet floor mats
Rear bumper appliqué
Remote engine starter

What Does Lexus Have In Store For You

Automotive News has taken a shot at predicting the next couple years of Lexus models, let’s summarize:

GS: The next-generation GS will arrive in the spring of next year on a new shared platform and a longer wheelbase, while retaining the V6/V8/Hybrid powertrains. A GS-F has been prototype, but is not expected to make it to production.
As for the styling, Automotive News says the “design of the GS will feature a long dash-to-axle ratio and a reprise of its signature stubby trunk, while the roofline will be a constant-radius swoop.”

IS: 2013 will see the debut of the third generation IS, which will be built on a shortened version of the GS’ shared platform.

LS: A redesign for the 2013 model year is expected, with a focus on reducing the weight generated by all the technology & safety features.

ES: Due to be redesigned as a 2012 model, the next-gen ES will be getting “more angular and active styling”, and may be offered in a hybrid.

HSh: Should the Prius receive a lithium battery pack in 2012, the HSh should follow.

SC: The next-generation SC will not be offered as a convertible.

LFA: A roadster version of the Lexus supercar could appear in 2014.
Most of these predictions summarize current rumors, with a few twists: No GS-F would be a disappointment, but the on-off nature of this V10 super-sedan means there’s no way to know for sure, just as there’s no way to guess if a LFA roadster will ever make it into production.

Also mentioned is the possibility of a brand new model:
VX: A seven-seat, car-based large crossover above the RX 350 is possible. Owners have told Lexus that towing is not as important as driveability and seating capacity. Lexus is studying a competitor to the BMW X6 crossover based on the next generation of the GS/IS platform.

With the RX straddling the line between small & large crossover classes, it’s hard to predict which side of the equation a new model would come up on. A large 7-seater may very well be in the works, but what about a smaller version of the RX instead?

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20100927/CARNEWS/100929892

Motor Trend Drives the New CT200h and like it!

Here are some comments from the test drive they took around LA:

The best way to think of the CT 200h is as a better-looking Prius Sport, if such a model existed. It shares the Prius’ hybrid drivetrain, with its 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, but it now has a “Sport” mode that ups the power to the electric motor for an extra boost of speed when you drop the pedal. It won’t give the IS F a run for its money, but it feels noticeably quicker than driving in “Normal” mode, which essentially mimics a Prius.

What we could test was the CT 200h’s ride quality, which was quite good. On the rough pavement that is L.A. city streets, the car rode well and soaked up even large bumps nicely. It’s a tad firmer than you’d expect from a Lexus, given its sporty disposition, but nothing that would scare the average Lexus shopper out of the car.
Around town, the CT 200h feels quick enough for L.A. traffic. Although we didn’t want to risk small-arms fire from other motorists, we found we could get pretty close to the claimed 28 mph limit on battery power alone before the engine kicked on. When it is on, the engine emits a low growl that at least sounds sportier than a Prius.




http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alternative/1009_2011_lexus_ct_200h_prototype_quick_drive/index.html

Go See a Real Life CT200h this Weekend in NYC

Lexus CT 200h Event in New York City

Two Lexus CT 200h prototypes are making their way around North America, and this weekend’s stop will be High Line Park in New York City.

This event, which is one of just four tour stops in the US, is open to everyone, and provides an unique opportunity to drive Lexus’ newest hybrid months before its official debut — something that still boggles my mind.

As for the event specifics, the CT 200hs will be touring the city on Thursday, making stops in places like Central Park & Union Square, then will be settling down at High Line Park (at the corner of Gansevoort & Washington) for the rest of the weekend. Here are the times:

Friday: 11am-1pm, 4pm-10pm
Saturday: 11am-10pm

http://www.facebook.com/lexus#!/lexus?v=app_2344061033

Coolest new Lexus "Musical"

I saw the commercial on tv the other night, but after you see the behind the scenes you realize how amazing it really is.....Cool stuff....

The "L" Will Have To Do...

The sharp eyes over at Club Lexus have spotted a badge change on 2011 Lexus models sold in the USA.

After spending twenty years on the trunk lid of every Lexus made(except the first year or two for those who remember), the LEXUS name badge has been removed, leaving the Oval-L as the sole brand identifier

Considering that Lexus has been the top-selling luxury car brand in the USA for a full decade, it’s safe to say the Oval-L logo has reached the level of recognition necessary to omit the brand name. It’s a subtle change, to be sure, but it also stands as an notable step in the evolution of the brand in the United States

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/car-chat/522592-lexus-taking-the-badges-off-2011-models-what-do-you-think.html